JF 489 
.M6 N7 
:opy 1 



De Puy's Popular Poultry Book No. 6. 



MINORCAS; 

ALL VARIETIES. * 

BY GEORGE H. NORTHUP. 

President of AMERICAN BLACK MINORCA CLiUB. 

-'^^-i J i3«i3 ^*^ i5*3 -S'^^ ^:9« 3^^ «*-3 1*& t*^ fr&Si fe^fe fe&& t*-:S^ fe&* fef-*;'^ 







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SYRACUSE, N. Y. 1» 



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\ 



MINORCMS; 



ALL VARIETIES. 



BY GEORGE H. NORTHUP, 

President of American Black Minorca Club. 



-^ C:-F-!wt OF THE *^' 

4 G J 08 AUG 3 1898 



SYRACUSE. N. Y , 
Clarence C DePuy, publisher, 
1898. 

7.\ 'J 



.rit.i\i' 



>b5 



COPYRItinTBD 1893, 

By clarence C. DePUY, 




PREFACE. 

This book is my response to the entreaty of many of my 
friends in the Minorca fancy th'roughout America, for a thoroughly 
American book on the subject of Minorcas. It has been written 
at intervals in the rush of business, but all within hearmg and 
under the inspiration of Minorca voices, both cackle and crow. 
If the book affords one-tenth part of the measure of satisfaction 
to its readers, which these beautiful birds have given the writer 
while the work was going forward, it will be well worlh the effort 
made to produce it. 

I wish to thank the members of the poultry press for their 
kind advance notices of this work and their many appreciative 
words in regard to the Minorca fowl; and Mr. Sewall for his 
excellent work on the engravings, and his pamstaking to portray 
the birds so naturally. 1 also thank the Minorca clubs for their 
organized efforts in behalf of Minorcas and especially the mem- 
bers of the American Black Minorca Club for their generous vote 
to allow the use of their ideal cuts in this book. At this date, 
June 15th, votes have been received from 47 of the 57 members 
of the club; 41 strongly in favor of having the cuts appear as the 
club ideals, i neutral, and 5 opposing it. As I did not know when 
I was writing the book, that these cuts were to appear in it, 1 did 
not refer to them, and 1 will mention them now, only as excellent 



representations of the Minorca breed. The cock is exactly my 

ideal of a Black Minorca male and though the hen differs slightly 
from my idea of a perfect bird, she is, 1 think, as perfect a com- 
posite of the club members' ideal as could be obtained. Her comb 
is not what 1 consider strictly fancy, but is just right for cockerel 
breeding. 

The American Black Minorca Club has done much for the 
advancement of Minorcas, and for this reason, deserves the 
hearty support of Minorca breeders who are yet outside its ranks. 

Last but in no wise least, thanks are due to E. W. Mayman 
for the White Minorca cut which he kindly furnished, and to the 
writers of the three excellent articles on the White Minorca vari- 
ety. 

Trusting that this book will help some to a better knowledge 
of Midorcas and enable many to breed them to a higher standard, 
I submit it to the public hoping its readers will pass lightly over 
its faults and use its better parts to their benefit. 

Very respectfully, 

George h. northup. 



■^CONTENTS. 1^ 



History of Black iMinorcas, Page 9 



Minorcas, the Great Utility Breed 

Description of Single Comb Black Minorcas.. 
Origin and History of Rose Comb Black Min- 



orcas 



Selection and Mating of Breeding Stock.. 
Hatching and Rearing Minorca Chicks . . . 

Preparation for Exhibition 

White Minorcas • • • 

Rose Comb White Minorcas 



13 

'7 

21 

30 
38 
42 

4^ 
46 




fl':i:::x^'^^ ^-^ 



DEAL BLACK niNORCA HALE. 



IDEAL BLACK MINORCA COCK, as adopted by the American Black Minorca Club 

Loaned for publication in this work by vote of the club members. See Preface for 

particulars. 



HISTORY OF BLACK MINORCAS. 

Much, of the earlier history of Minorcas; like that of many 
other races of creation, both of the lower and the higher orders, 
has been relegated to oblivion by the ever crowding events of 
time which claim momentary attention; each giving place to its 
successor so rapidly that comparatively few are permanently 
recorded. Beside the fragmentary knowledge of the Minorca of 
the past, which we have been able to gather, there are some 
facts, which, though currently believed, are not sufficiently veri- 
fied to warrant giving them, as a part of authentic history. 
Prominent among these suppositions, is the idea that the White 
Faced Black Spanish descended from the Black Minorcas, and the 
circumstances which support this theory, seem quite credible. 
The White Faced Black Spanish show a resemblance to the 
Black Minorcas of the present time, which strongly indicates that 
both came, originally, from the same race of fowls. And, that 
that race was identical with the Black Minorcas of to-day is 
indicated by every trace we have of this valued breed. Beside 
this, the greater hardiness of the Minorca, still comparing them 
with the Spanish, makes it probable that it is in them, that the 
natural qualities of the original Minorcas have been preserved; 
while in the Spanish, close breeding, for points not altogether 
natural, has resulted in loss of hardiness. 

It is certainly known of the Minorca, that it has been an 
established breed for more than sixty years, and that its type, 
for that period of time at least, has been very like that which 
is still in highest favor among Minorca breeders. As far back, 
too, as we have any trace of Minorcas, their great laying qualities 
have been the leading characteriscic to commend them to breed- 



lO MINORCAS; ALL VARIETIES. 

ers. "They lay larger eggs, and more of them than any other 
known fowls," has been so long and frequently said of them, as 
to seem a part of their very name, and the saying is too well sus- 
tained by actual proof to be successfully disputed. 

Black Minorcas are pre-eminently unique among the fancy 
breeds of poultry, in having been bred so long with their original 
type so well preserved. It is, no doubt, because they have been 
kept in favor by no less considerations than usefulness and 
hardihood, that this is so. For however excellent may have been 
the varieties that have sprung from them, popular favor has 
always clung to the Minorcas in their purity, as an egg producing 
breed, wherever they have been known. 

Though the earliest date of the importation of Minorcas to 
England cannot be ascertained from any authority that 1 have yet 
found, it is known that Black Minorcas were bred in England as 
early as 1834, and it is very probable that they were brought 
there direct from the Island of Minorca, the second largest of the 
Belearic group, which is about 125 miles from the mouth of the 
Ebro river, in the Mediterranean sea. Some may also have been 
brought from other Mediterranean ports, but the breed undoubt- 
edly derived its name from the island of Minorca. The name 
certainly does not at all fit the character of the fowls themselves, 
for. to use a current phrase, "There is nothing Small about 
them." Beside the great number and great size of their eggs, 
they have the largest bodies of all the non-sitting breeds. 

Mr. Lewis Wright says in the Illustrated Book of Poultry, 
"There is more evidence than usual for the source of this breed 
being truly represented by its name. Mr. Leworthy told us that 
Mr. Willis, a friend of his, had seen them in Minorca, and the 
Rev. Thomas Cox, of Castle Gary, informs us on the direct 
authority of Sir Thomas Ackland, that his father, the former 
Baronet, undoubtedly brought some from that island direct to 
England in 1834 or 1835, 2ind kept them for years at Holnicote. 
It is doubtful if the fowl was not already known in the west of 
England, but there is no doubt but that one strain did diverge 
from this ascertained importation, and the breed was for years 
known and prized in Devon, Cornwall and Somerset, before 
known elsewhere." 

Very few fanciers gave any special attention to Minorcas 
djjring the earlier part of their history in England of which we 



History of black minorcaS. ll 

have any record, and a separate class for them, at the shows, 
was formerly an exception to the general rule of ignoring their 
right to figure as exhibition fowls. They were bred for many 
years in the southwestern part of England, solely for practical 
purposes. But they are in great favor with English fanciers 
now, and have been for twenty years or more. In the English 
show-room also, they are among the most prominent and attractive 
features. 

When the reputation, which the breed had gained in England, 
reached America, our fanciers began to give them attention and 
to import them to America. Their English fame so commended 
the Minorcas to the American fraternity of poultry fanciers and 
breeders, that it soon became impossible to supply the demand 
for Minorca eggs. This unexpected demand, co-operating with 
the lax honor of a few breeders, caused the greatest set-back 
that Minorcas ever met with; for some, with more eagerness for 
money than honesty or admiration for the excellent breed, rein- 
forced their Black Minorca breeding pens with Black Leghorns, 
to supply the demand for eggs. One, who advertised largely as 
an importer of Black Minorcas, was reported to have put 50 Black 
Leghorn hens, which he probably bought for that purpose, into 
pens with Black Minorcas, and it was generally thought that he 
sold eggs, for hatching, from all together. Such deception could 
be easier practiced then, than now, for at that time, and un*il the 
revision of the Standard in 1889, Black Leghorns were bred with 
black, or nearly black legs, and disqualified for any other color. 
Again, when the alteration of the Standard, made yellow, or 
yellowish black, the correct color for the legs of Black Leghorns, 
the Minorca market was flooded anew, with as many Black Leg- 
horn "black legs" as could be palmed off on the unsuspecting 
public by unscrupulous breeders. This diabolical work was much 
more easily and quickly done than its evil effects could be oblit- 
erated; because many who bought these Leghorn-Minorcas, 
bred from them, and advertised them as pure Minorcas, honestly 
believing them to be such. The strong Leghorn tendency, still 
seen in some Minorcas, is due to such crossing, though much of 
it is bred out by the introduction of genuine Minorca blood. A 
few of the more sagacious American breeders, kept their Minorcas 
pure, and seeing in them qualities, which, if preserved would 
eventually win for them the popularity they have attained, and 



12 MINORCAS; ALL VARIETIES. 

foreseeing that any amount of effort, rightly directed, to perpetu- 
ate and improve upon the native excellencies of the breed, would 
be ampl}' repaid, have bred this noble breed, always, to the 
highest Standard. Such breeders are now receiving a reward, 
even greater than they could have expected. Minorcas not only 
hold the first place among all fowls, for being the greatest layers 
and producing the largest eggs, but they are fast acquiring popu- 
larity as a table fowl. The old-time prejudice in favor of yellow 
meat, is fast being overcome by appreciation of the delicacy of 
white meat; and the excellence of the Minorca fowl for table 
use is coming to be generally known and advocated. 

At the shows the Minorca class is now among the largest. 
The American Black Minorca Club was formed in 1896 and has 
greatly advanced Minorca interests. At its last meeting thirty- 
three new members were added and the prospects are favorable 
for a larger increase during the present year. It is one of the 
most flourishing specialty clubs we have and contains many of 
the brighest minds known to the fancy. The object of the club 
is to establish a correct idea of what the Minorca is and ought to 
be, and to encourage breeding it to the highest standard of useful- 
ness and beauty. 







Qeo^H.>Joy^,' 



"MAMMOTH BELLE, Weight 8 lbs. 

MINORCAS, THE GREAT UTILITY BREED. 

A great utility breed must naturally combine a greater part 
of all the qualities of usefulness, for which its kind is valued, and 
must surpass the average in most of the qualities it does possess, 
while it should not fall below the average in any which are con- 
sidered to be of great importance. The fowl to be kept year after 
year, for practical purposes, is first esteemed to be more or less 



14 MINO«CAS; ALL VARIETIES. 

profitable according to its greater or less capacity for egg-produc- 
tion. All who know the Minorcas, will agree with me that they 
are great layers. Careful tests, alone and in comparison with 
other laying breeds, show them to be such, the poultry press, 
both American and Europian, so reports them, and govermental 
experiment stations add testimony to the same effect. Extracts 
from different reports of the Canadian Experimental Station, 
printed by orderof Parliament, place Black Minorcas at the head 
of the list of the most profitable laying breeds of hens both as 
layers of the greatest number and the largest size of eggs; mak- 
ing mention of Minorca eggs whicli weighed, six to the pound; 
also commending them as good winter layers, even in that ex- 
tremely cold climate. One special test of the Canadian Station 
was made in December and January, the most unfavorable sea- 
son of the year, and shows that Black Minorcas won the cham- 
pionship in number of eggs, over the eleven breeds that competed 
against them, making an average of 22 4-5 eggs for each Minorca 
hen, against a fraction more than 10 1-2 eggs for each of the 
other hens in the contest. The different breeds competing were 
Black Minorca, Brahma, Buff Cochin, Black Hamburg, Langshan, 
Houdan, White Leghorn, Plymouth Rock, Red Cap, Andalusian, 
Wyandotte, and mixed hens. A paragraph in the August number 
of "A Few Hens," shows that our experiment station has estab- 
lished another fact in regard to Minorcas, which the breeders had 
never claimed, it is as follows: "Prof. Hilgard, of the United 
State Experimental Station, decided by chemical tests that in 
nutritive qualities between white and brown shelled eggs, there 
is but little difference — and that difference in favor of Minorca 
(white shelled) eggs." But in addition to the superior number 
and size of Black Minorca eggs, there is another point in which 
these fowls excel as egg-producers. It is this: they begin to lay 
at a very early age, and continue to lay profitably, for a longer 
period of time than any other breed we have. When fed for 
laying, April hatched Minorca pullets will lay at the age of five 
months, and it is a common occurrence for July hatched pullets 
to begin laying in February. From this it would naturally be 
supposed that they would begin to fall off in usefulness at an 
early age; but this is not the case, tor, the few hens which 1 
have kept to the unusual ages, for hens, of seven and eight years, 
laid well as long as they lived. 



MINORCAS, THE GREAT UTILITY BREED. 15 

Mr. J. E. Stevenson gives even a more favorable report of 
early laying than the above. He writes, in Fann Poultry, October 
1st, 1897, "1 have had pullets lay at about three months old, that 
had been forced as broilers, and had never been out of the brood- 
ing house and runs, which are 5x12 feet. My breeding pullets 
usually begin laying at about five months old; the Minorcas 
usually begin laying a little younger." 

Minorcas respond heartily to the' care they receive, for though 
they are excellent foragers, active and ever on the alert for 
natural advantages that are within their reach; there is no fowl 
that bearsconfinement better. Their docile disposition makes them 
the equal of the Brahma and the Cochin in this respect, and their 
natural inclination to lay, together with native activity makes 
them give profitable returns for all the food they will consume 
instead of laying on fat to their injury. 

Hardiness is the quality which ranks next to egg-production 
in a thoroughly practical fowl, and in this, the Black Minorca 
greatly excels. Having been bred to preserve its native qualities 
rather than to establish new and foreign ones, the Black Minorcas 
seem to have lost very little if any of their natural stamina, a 
quality with which they are abundantly endowed. Though there 
is some prejudice against black as a color for the plumage of 
domestic fowls, the objections urged, signify nothing of import- 
ance and we have it from good authority, that the abundance of 
color pigment, in animal physique, indicates a commensurate 
proportion of vitality and vigor; also that the black pigment is 
indicative of a stronger nature than any of the lighter colors. 
One English Naturalist, speaking of the different varieties of 
Leghorns and the importance of color breeding, says by way of 
illustration; that the Blacks are the most economical, are very 
wild and very hardy; because very near to the natural color. 
Another speaks of the black leopard and the black rabbit as 
examples of exceptional abundance of vigor, in which the visible 
result is excess of pigment. He thinks too that vigor and hardi- 
ness are accompaniments of yellow pigment, but perhaps not so 
much so as of the black. He says: "We are accustomed to think 
that abundance of coloring matter indicates vigor, richness of 
blood, and for some years we have maintained that the presence of 
black pigment communicated to the flesh of fowls a special savor; 
and we have been equally accustomed to think that the absence 



16 MINORCAS; ALL VARIETIES. 

of coloring matter indicates weakness, poverty of blood, anaemia, 
etc., etc." 

This brings us to the excellence of the Black Minorca as a 
table fowl; whether the presence of black pigment does or does 
not communicate savor to the flesh, it is quite certain that none 
of the color itself is communicated to the flesh; for the skin and 
the naturally light parts of the flesh of the Black Minorca are of 
the most delicate whiteness. And in juiciness, delicious flavor, 
and tenderness, Black Minorca flesh is seldom equalled and never 
surpassed. Add to this the fact that the Minorca is a fowl of 
collossal stature compared with all of the egg-specialty breeds, 
and no one can fail to understand that it is a table fowl of great 
excellence. Minorca breeders have been, too reticent on this 
point in the past, but we are waking up to the fact that we have 
only to call popular attention to the excellent table qualities of 
this variety, to make the demand far outreach the number which 
we can supply. 

Great number of eggs is always counted a strong point; 
great size of eggs is often spoken of as being of less account, be- 
cause eggs are sold by dozens instead of pounds and ounces; but 
the market poultry-man finds it much easier to obtain customers 
for large than for small eggs. Even when the price is made five 
cents per dozen higher, economical people, and those of fastidious 
taste, find it to their several interests to buy Minorca eggs. The 
same person who furnishes eggs is the one who is naturally 
looked to for poultry, thus one who has a good egg-trade has an 
excellent opportunity to establish a market for his poultry, and 
where once the Black Minorca chick or fowl is recommended and 
tried for table use, the preference will always be for that variety 
rather than any or all of the varieties of yellow color and oily 
flesh. Butter will take the place of oil and is much more grateful 
to the taste, but the juiciness and flavor which oily meats lack 
cannot be artificially supplied. 




IDtAl BLACK niNORCfi FfHALE • 

IDEAL BLACK MINORCA HEN, as adopted by the American Black 

Minorca Club. 

Loaned for publication in this work by vote of the club members. 
See Preface for particulars. 



DESCRIPTION OF SINGLE COMB BLACK MINORCAS. 

The Minorca shape is a subject which has been much dis- 
cussed in poultry journals, not so much because fanciers disagreed 
as because we each failed to make others understand just what 
we meant. But free discussion through the journals, and at the 
shows, has established a uniformity of opinion which is sure to 
keep the breed improving, and for this reason there can be no 
doubt but that the Black Minorca has only begun to enjoy the 
popularity which is in store for it, as a result of intelligent and 
skillful breeding. The frame of a bird or animal of any kind is 
the first requisite to correct shape. The true Minorca is disting- 
uished for length of bone, firmness of build and loftiness of car- 
riage, which characteristics admit of abundance of flesh, without 
fatness; and the true Minorca never appears fat. Its muscles 
are abundant in all muscular sections, but conform to the shape 
of the birds frame giving it an elegant form rather than clumsiness 
and permittmg its movements to be sprightly and graceful rather 
than sluggish and uncertain. Added to this, the close lying feath- 
ers of the Minorca, give it a more stylish appearance than is 
shown by any other bird of equal size. For this reason it is a 
much heavier bird than one would think from looking at it without 
being acquainted with the breed. The standard weight for Black 
Minorcas is as follows: Cock, 8 lbs.; cockerel, 6^ lbs.; hen, 6^ 
lbs.; pullet 5><^ lbs. These are about the average weights also, 
for while many are bred above them, some cocks reaching the 
unusual weight of lo lbs. and a few hens having been known to 
weigh 8 lbs. each, others fall below the standard, especially under 
conditions which do not favor vigorous growth. With good stock 
the standard weight is very easy to attain. 



18 MINORCAS; ALL VARIETIES. 



The single comb of cock bird should be smooth, straight and 
erect, deeply and evenly cut with six wedged shaped serrations. 
It should follow the neck at the back but not rest upon the feath- 
ers. Thickness at the base is desirable to keep in an upright 
position. The pullets comb does not develop until about the time 
she begins laying. When fully developed it should fall gracefully 
across the head above the beak, forming a loop at the front, on 
the opposite side of the head from which the main part of the 
comb hangs. Held in an upright position, the hens comb should 
have about the same shape as that of the male bird and may be 
large enough to hide the eye as seen from a side view, but should 
rise sufficiently over beak to let the hen have a perfect view in 
front of her. The hens comb shrinks to less than half its size 
during moult and sometimes seems nearly to disappear. It does 
not regain its full size till she is again in condition to lay. 

The original color of Black Minorca plumage, as nearly as 1 
can ascertain from the authority at my command, was black with 
purplish sheen, but breeding with less regard to tint of color and 
greater attention to other points, caused this variety to drift 
away, so to speak, from the puiple tint, till each of the tints, pur- 
ple, green and dull black are now seen to predominate in different 
specimens of genuine Black Minorcas. Fanciers favor the green- 
ish sheen mainly and have done so for several years past. At 
the la^t revision of the American Standard this was adopted as 
the color to breed for, and this action will of course bring it into 
greater favor than before. In speaking of breeding for the greenish 
sheen, 1 do not mean the introduction of any foreign blood to pro- 
duce it. This, in my opinion is not admissible in any line of 
Minorca breeding, for no improvment is desirable which must be 
purchased at the expense of purity. The beautiful brilliant green 
which is so much sought, can be and has been obtained by care- 
fully breeding from such birds as show the most desirable color, 
but all of the best strains of Black Minorcas have a strong tend- 
ency to revert to the original purple, which appears mainly in 
what is termed rainbow barring. This barring is considered an 
objectionable feature in a strictly fancy bird, but these slight var- 
iations in tinge of plumage are much more easily controlled by 
the breeder than most of the fancy points for which we breed, 
for it seems that the special care of birds during the periods of 
growth and moult, has a very marked effect on the peculiar tints, 



DESCRIPTION OF SINGLE COMB BLACK MINORCAS. 19 

as I shall attempt to show in another part of this work. It is no 
new idea that color of plumage comes from the interior of the 
bird and 1 am convinced, by observation, that breeding for the 
green creates a tendency, in the hens so bred, to lay eggs with 
tinted shells, instead of the clear white shells which have been 
one of the leading characteristics of Black Minorcas. The only 
way I can account for this is that the green in plumage indicates 
an increase of yellow pigment, some of which, not unnaturally, 
is communicated to the shell of the egg. The purple tint shows 
a predominence of blue pigment, which, applied to the shell, 
only intensifies its whiteness, the same as the blue pigment used 
by the laundress increases the whiteness of linen. It is not an 
invariable rule that the peculiar tint of plumage is accompanied 
by a similar tint in the egg shells, but my attention has been 
called to the fact that such a tendency does exist, both by talks 
and correspondence 1 have had with other pro.minent Minorca 
breeders and by observing it in a few specimens of my own 
breeding. 1 approve, as a fancier, of breeding Minorcas for the 
greenishiSheen because the prevailing popular taste and the Stan- 
dard favor it, and because it is very beautiful. But we shall 
need at the same time, to avoid too great a diminuition of black. 
It is not that less color is desirable, but, that the metalic green 
tinge shall shine out from the apparently polished black surface 
of the plumage when in such a position that the greenish light 
can be reflected. The fact that, in another position, a purple 
reflection is seen, does not necessarily diminish the excellence of 
color, in fact, such is the color most desired, so that in whatever 
light it is seen the coloring is smooth and does not appear in 
barring. 

The combs, faces and wattles of Black Minorcas are bright 
red in color. The wattles should be thin, pendulous, evenly 
folded and smooth. Lobes, almond shaped, pure white and 
smooth. Legs, long and the darker the better; but the color of 
legs changes with age, varying, in newly hatched chicks, from 
very light to nearly black, the lightest becoming as dark at 
maturity as the darkest. At eight months old, the best specimens 
have black, or nearly black legs which generally fade after the 
bird attains maturity. But the toe nails grow darker, if any 
change, as the bird advances in age, though probably not more 
than one in a hundred, pure Minorcas, have black toe-nails at 
any time in their life, and I do not remember ever having seen a 
Minorca under one year old with black toe-nails. As a rule their 
toe-nails are white or horn color. 







Flf?5T PRIZE ■ NEW YORK l6?8 
~"doy Geomnortml/p 

RACEVILLC- M.v 



"GRACE" Rose Comb Black Minorca Hen, Weight 6^4: lbs. 



ORIGIN AND HISTORY OF ROSE COMB BLACK MINORCAS. 

The claims 1 have made through the poultry press and in my 
catalogue, in regard to originating Rose Comh Black Minorcas 
have caused considerable comment and criticism, to the effect 
that the methods I have described could not result as 1 have said, and 
that 1 could not justly claim to be the originator because others 
have bred birds in various ways, which they choose to call Rose 
Comb Black Minorcas. 1 do not mention this with any desire 
for controversy or to dispute the claims of others, but to omit it 
would make the history of Rose Comb Black Minorcas very 
incomplete. The obstacles which they have surmounted and the 
hindrances they have overcome are as much a part of their his- 
tory as the progress they have made. 

My Rose Comb Black Minorcas are neither sports or crosses 
but the result of a system of breeding, which it is my purpose to 
describe. It is because 1 was the first to breed a pure Black 
Minorca with a rose comb, that 1 claim to be the originator of that 
variety, and as I was the first to cause any mention of them in 
print (my first description of them appeared in Pouliiy Monthly, 
Feb. 1891) and the first to exhibit them at a show, 1 think 1 am 
entitled to be considered the originator. Not that the result 1 
have achieved exhausts the resources of nature which have made 
it possible for me to accomplish what 1 have, but being the first 
to so breed them makes me the originator, notwithstanding what 
others may have done since or may do in the future. 

A cockerel which was hatched from one of the first breeding 
pens of Black Minorcas which I imported, had two side sprigs on 
his comb. This suggested to me the possibility that a system of 
breeding might in time produce Black Minorcas with Rose Combs. 



22 MiNORCAS; ALL VARIETIES. 



My object in wishing to do this was two-fold, first to ascertain if 
breeding from a bird with a slight variation from the usual type 
would produce a greater variation of like nature in successive 
generations until a radical change in the variety was established, 
beside 1 was certain that a fowl with small rose comb and corres- 
pondingly small wattles, possessing all the valued qualities of the 
Black Minorca would be a valuable acquisition, especially to 
breeders in the colder climates where the Single Comb Minorcas 
have to be very warmly housed to do their best as winter layers 
and to keep their large combs from getting frosted. If a rose 
comb fowl had been my only object, there, were plenty of rose 
comb varieties already established. And a rose comb fowl, with 
the external appearance of the Minorca, could be easily bred by 
crossing, as several breeders did soon after m> first Rose Comb 
Black Minorca article was published. But any crossing surely 
ingrafts qualities which are less desirable than those native to the 
Minorca, while a complete change in the form of comb, effected 
by a system of mating, shows that there is no end of the improve- 
ment that can be made in similar ways, and at the same time 
demonstrates the great danger of careless mating, by which the 
breeder may be unconsciously breeding directly away from the 
results he most desires. 1 did not resort to any crossing what- 
ever, but beginning with the cockerel before mentioned, I select- 
ed the few of his progeny which showed the same defect, to 
breed from ; and there were only a few which showed it even 
slightly. Each succeeding season only those which approached 
nearest to the object in view, were selected to breed from. From 
the third Mating 1 obtained one hen with a rose comb, not my 
ideal rose comb or even one as good as the poorest of my Rose 
Combs now wear, but it was a comb that greatly encouraged me 
because it assured final success. Three-fourths of the chicks 
hatched from this hen's eggs had rose combs but they were 
neither uniform in shape or small enough. From these 1 selected 
only the best, and formed with them two pens for the next years 
breeding. 

It was quite difficult and required several years of breeding 
to reduce the size of comb and establish a desirable shape. At 
first many of the combs were as thin at the head as a single comb, 
terminating in several rows of irregular serrations, making the 
comb top-heavy and causing it to drop over to one side of the 



ftO^t COMB BLACK MINORCAS. 2S 

head, and those which sat more firmly on the head were, some of 
them, as large as Red Cap combs and of many shapes. Some 
were regular one side and irregular on the other forming a sort of 
cresent. Others were large and full at the front but only extend- 
ed back as far as attached to the head ; some of these were even 
hollowed at the back instead of ending with a spike, and some 
had the appearance of tipping forward over the beak. Another 
variation was partly rose and partly single, that is either rose at 
the front and single at the back, or the reverse. These variations 
have, by careful mating been gradually overcome, and the Rose 
Comb Black Minorca now breeds as true to comb as the Wyan- 
dotte did when first admitted to the standard. Until this result 
was obtained, I each year killed many birds which I could have 
sold for large prices had 1 been wilhng to do so. 1 breed only 
from those which approached nearest my ideal. The chicks 
selected from the hatch of 1887, four in number, two cockerels 
and two pullets, were bred in separate pens in 1888. Pullets 
raised from one of these pens were mated with cockerels raised 
from the other, and vice versa, for the next years breeding. And 
my system has since been to keep them divided, and each year to 
bring the most distant relations together for mating, thus to breed 
out instead of in. While 1 was culling from my flocks and reject- 
ing a greater part of each hatch as unfit to breed from, the Rose 
Comb Black Minorcas were gaining notoriety from other sources, 
which thought not altogether to their advantage, is as 1 have 
already said in part of their history. 

Immediately after my first Rose Comb article appeared in 
The Monthly, many wrote me desiring to buy some of the Rose 
Combs or their eggs, but I refused all offers, 1 did not begin to 
offer either for sale till the spring of 1894, and previous to that time 
no Rose Comb eggs or fowls had left my yards except two males 
which were sold to parties who used them for cross-breeding, and 
one setting of eggs which I gave to a friend, who kept every bird 
hatched from them till after 1 began to sell Rose Comb eggs 
That first article also drew out comments through the press. 
During the fall following its first appearance, Mr. J. W. Caughey, 
Pittsburgh, Pa., sent me two clippings from different numbers of 
the Ohio Farmer, one of which was a review of my article written 
by himself, and the other an answer to, or criticism of Mr. 
Caughey's. I give both here in the order that they were 
published: 



ROSE COMB BLACK MINORCAS. 



ROSE COMB BLACK MINORCAS. 



There is hardly a new breed of fowls that comes into favor 
that does not find some one to improve or alter the original stock 
and obtain a variety that his neighbors do not keep. This some- 
times means considerable in profits to him who improved and 
brought them before the public. The Rose Comb Black Minorca 
is a counterpart of the single comb variety with the exception of 
the comb, it being a rose comb. The objection by many breeders 
to the large combs of the Minorca fowls was one point that sug- 
gested the idea of improving this point in them. The cold winters 
did much damage to their large combs. The result was the pro- 
duction of the rose comb variety, the outcome of much careful 
study and theory in a practical demonstration of the crosses made 
to accomplish it. 

The start was first made with a cockerel with two side splits 
on his comb, being out of an imported pair of single comb birds, 
and but a very few of the chicks produced showed this defect. 
But each season by selecting them carefully, a strain was finally 
established that has faithfully bred the rose combs in wonderful 
accuracy. As yet no stock or eggs can be had of the breed, the 
owner preferring to continue another season so as to fully estab- 
lish a strain that will give entire satisfaction right along. It is 
best to wait the severest test before buying them. J. C. w. 



Rose COMB BLACK MINORCAS. 



In The Farmer, of Sept. 5th, 1891, J. C. W. describes a new 
breed of fowls — Rose Comb Black Minorcas— and tells how they 
were originated. Some wide-awake, ingenious fellow, selecting 
an imported Black Minorca cockerel, with two "side splits" on 
his comb, and mated with a Black Rose Comb Leghorn hen, or 
some other of the rose comb breed. 

Do not tell the readers, Mr. J. W. C, that this cockerel was 
mated with a Single Comb Black Minorca hen or pullet, and the 
results of such a mating followed up by inbreeding, produced a 
strain of Rose Comb Black Minorcas, or they will think you are 
prevaricating in the interest of some one who is working up a 
BOOM. Experience teaches us that nature does not do her work 
just that way. Her work is not done by piecemeal. If she starts 



26 MINORCAS; ALL VARIETIES. 

with "side splits" she is liable to produce "side splits" or revert 
to the original ; but not in order to get rid of the unsightly "side 
splits," place on the heads of her progeny of such a mating, a 
neat, little rose crown. 

No, sir. If nature intends to crown the Minorcas with roses, 
she will do it direct and not through one or two "side splits." It 
requires no greater effort of nature, nor is it a greater miracle, to 
put a rose comb, direct, on any bird, than it does to put on a 
single comb with "side splits." J. W. C. ought to make the 
claim that Rose Comb Black Minorcas are sports from the single 
comb varieties, of which "they are the counterpart in all save 
comb;" then methinks people — the fraternity at least — would 
the more readily believe the claim. Nature would no more exert 
herself in producing a "sport" in comb than she does in produc- 
ing a " sport " in color. We are a firm believer in the theory that 
she will and does produce "sports" in both comb and color, hav- 
ing long ago bred and reared chicks which, in color, we know 
were "sport." We are also familiar with the Rose Comb Min- 
orcas, both white and black, which we term pure sports. The 
first we ever saw was a White Minorca cockerel from eggs im- 
ported in 1886 from Mr. Hanna, an English breeder, of note. 
When this bird was about two-thirds grown a mink made a meal 
of *him, but he had grown large enough to show that he was a 
true White Minorca — a sport in comb only. As Mr. Hanna in 
answer to my inquiry whether he was breeding some rose comb 
variety of fowls in close proximity to his White Minorcas, says: 
" There are no rose comb fowls nearer than two miles of me that 
I know of, and if there were I would know of it." 

The same year, 1886, a setting of Black Minorca eggs was 
procured from a prominent breeder in this country, eggs in every 
respect similar to Minorca eggs. Of the setting of thirteen eggs, 
eight produced chicks. Seven of these chicks were ordinary 
Single Comb Black Minorca chicks, while the other was a white 
rose comb chick, the very counterpart, when matured, of the 
White Minorca in all save comb, which was as perfect a rose as 
years of careful selection and mating would likely produce. But, 
is this chick a Minorca ? It most certainly is, and if it were not 
for the rose comb any and every person would pronounce it a 
pure Minorca. The breeder from whose yards this bird came, in 
answer to the question as to whether he had any Rose Comb 



ROSE COMB BLACK MINORCAS. 27 

White Minorcas, or knew who had, says, "no — do you?" He 
further stated that tliere was no possible chance of any other 
breed except the Single Comb White Minorcas getting in the 
yards with his Black ones. As soon as this chick was old enough 
to begin laying she was mated to a Single Comb White Minorca 
cockerel, from imported stock, and the chicks from this mating 
were either white or black, with both rose and single combs. 
By judicious selection and mating a strain of each has been 
established that will breed as true to comb as almost any other 
variety, especially so of the whites. If they were not pure Min- 
orca, in blood, there would be some of the progeny from any mat- 
ing that would revert to the blood of the ancestry from which the 
rose comb came. A. E. W. 

Wyandot Co., Ohio. 



Mr. A. E. W. shows by his article that he was willing to 
brand the statements of another as untrue, because that person 
claimed to do things which he thought impossible, without giving 
any good reason for thinking them impossible. His theories had 
been exploded in advance by my Rose Comb Minorcas, and their 
later developement has proved that he was wholly mistaken in 
regard to what Nature will or will not do. 1 do not doubt the 
honesty of what he claims of his own birds but as his first Blacks 
were a year or two later than mine they do not interfere with 
my claims of origination. 

Four other breeders crossed Single Comb Black Minorcas with 
other breeds and called them pure Rose Comb Black Minorcas. 
Three of them advertised eggs for sale from these matings, and 
sold them at from 50 cents per egg down to whatever they could 
get in exchange for them. 1 investigated the breeding of all these 
and obtained good proof that all three were using cross-bred stock. 
Then one breeder claimed to have imported Rose Com.b Black 
Minorcas, I immediately wrote the gentleman in England from 
whom his stock was said to have come and received this reply: 

Newcastle-on-Tyne, ENG., Jan. 10, 1894. 
To Geo. H. NORTHUP, Esq., 

Raceville, Wash. Co., N. Y., U. S. A. 
Dear Sir: — Regarding Rose Comb Minorcas, you have been 



28 MINORCAS; ALL VARIETIES. 



misinformed. There has not been any breed at Newcastle-on- 
Tyne ; in fact, there is none in Europe, that 1 am aware of. 

With kinds regards, 

Sincerely yours, 

ALFRED W. THOMPSON, 

Mr. Thompson is a naturalist of much note, who is patron- 
ized by breeders, sportsmen and fanciers throughout the world. 

When two cross-breeders of so-called Rose Comb Black 
Minorcas attacked me through the journals at different times, 1 
exposed some of the trickery of one in Poultry Keeper, June, 1893, 
and of the other in Poultry Monthly, lune, i8g6, p. 187, also in 
American Poultry Joutnal, Feb. 1897, p. 48. It was in earlier 
numbers of these journals that their attacks appeared. I do not 
know that any of the breeders mentioned are pretending to breed 
Rose Comb Black Mmorcas now, but progeny of some of the 
stock they sold as such, is still advertised. 

Notwithstanding all the drawbacks they have had to over- 
come, the Rose Comb Black Minorcas are now a valued and val- 
uable variety, and their present owners may be considered for- 
tunate in adopting them early as there remains no doubt about 
their future popularity. 

The first exhibition of Rose Comb Black Minorcas, ever 
made at a show was at Gloversville, N. Y., Dec. 1891, when 1 
showed ten birds, old and young, and won every prize offered. 
There was no competition. The year following 1 showed thirteen 
birds, (twelve old ones, all above standard weight,) at the N. Y. 
and N. E. Fair, and in Jan. 1894 1 showed a full class at Saratoga, 
N. Y. Since that time the Rose Combs have been found in many 
of our shows. Four breeders showed them at New York, Feb. 
1898, the strongest class yet seen together. Rose Comb Black 
Minorcas always attract much attention, are greatly admired and 
bring high prices when they are sold, as the demand for them 
greatly exceeds the supply. 1 know of no variety which promises 
so great profit for the investment as they, nor any way that money 
can be invested with so good prospect of large returns as in well 
bred fowls of this variety. 







■^^>.^fe 




Hon pprun 
nii\iiii«uiT 

(towt 1 r(i>i|Tnyi 




"TORO" Weight lo lbs. 



SELECTION AND MATING OF BREEDING STOCK. 

To make any line of breeding a success, the breeder needs 
to have his object clearly defined, that all his efforts in selecting 
and mating may be directed to that end. If Minorcas are to be 
bred for market purposes only, the selection and mating of the 
breeding stock can be much different than if the breeder wishes 
to combine exhibition with market requirements. Breeding for 
market purposes alone, requires attention mainly to size, vigor, 
and hardiness. As these points are indispensable to good exhibi- 
tion birds it is not necessary to treat these two lines of breeding 
separately. Any points which are valuable to the fancier, are 
desirable also to the market man who has fine fowls to select 
from, but he who must buy his stock, from which to supply the 
market, can save himself much in the original cost by buying 
with reference to his object alone and disregarding such points 
as are merely fancy. All true fanciers will sell stock that will 
answer the market-man's purpose well, at much lower prices 
than they demand for their finest exhibition specimens, as birds 
defective in fancy points are undesirable in their line of breeding. 
There is no strain of any variety however perfect, but produces 
many birds which are not as good as its best, that is not as fine in 
fancy points, but which are just as desirable for all practical 
purposes. 

Among those breeders who attempt to breed exhibition birds, 
I think more failures result from ignorance of the principles of 
mating, and inability to estimate and appreciate the value of cer- 
tain points in the birds from which selection is to be made, than 
from any other causes. It has been my experience that the 
choicest specimens are the most profitable to breed exhibition 



SELECTION AND MATING OF BREEDING STOCK. 31 

Stock from, regardless of price. Though it is an important fact 
that accidental defects, such as frosted combs or scars left by 
fighting, need not cause a bird to be discarded for breeding, as 
such faults cannot be transmitted by heredity to the offspring. 
Natural defects and constitutional deficiencies alone are to be 
avoided on this account. The best bird to breed from is the one 
that comes nearest to perfection and -has at the same time a cred- 
itable lineage for generations back. Such birds are valuable to 
the owner and expensive to the buyer, and if they cannot be 
afforded, it is quite safe to breed from a fairly good bird whose 
pedigree is known to be reliable; but a really fine bird of inferior 
ancestry is not fit to breed from in any case, for fancy points or 
egg-production. Individual excellence and ancestry are the two 
important considerations in selecting stock, but the fact that var- 
iations occur in the progeny of the same fowls is evidence that 
individual excellence alone is not sufficient to insure good results 
in offspring. This applies to all breeds as well as Minorcas, and 
all general principles of the selection and mating of Black Minorca 
are equally applicable to the Whites. 

Nothing can be more striking than the production of my Rose 
Comb Black Minorcas, to illustrate the important effects that the 
various principles of mating produce on the offspring, being as 
they are the result of straight breeding from the Single Comb 
variety, without cross-breeding or the introduction of any other 
blood. The success achieved fully demonstrates how a variation, 
defective or the opposite, may be emphasized by successive mat- 
ings either intentional or careless; or may be eradicated by the 
application of correct principles, at the option of the breeder, in 
the selection and mating of his breeding stock. 

In my description of Single Comb Black Minorcas I did not 
follow the details of comb, etc., as closely as 1 would have done, 
had 1 not intended to touch upon these points again in this article. 
The comb of the male bird should he straight and erect, thick at 
the base and tapering evenly to the edge, set firmly on the head 
so that it cannot easily become bent and so that it will naturally 
hold its erect position. It should be free from thumb-marks, 
dents and excrescences, and should come forward about half 
way between the nostril and the end of the beak. The comb 
sfiould be cut with six wedge shaped serrations, the deepest 
extending to about one-half the depth of the comb. This is what 



32 MtNORCAS; ALL VARIETIES. 

I consider a perfect comb and, though I have seen many combs 
which were very nearly perfect according to this description, 1 do 
not remember having seen any which did not, in some particular, 
deviate from it. The same is true of the bird as a whole. It is 
impossible to find a bird which is perfect in all sections, it is 
only by having an ideal and breeding as near to that ideal as 
possible, that we have been able to obtain such uniform flocks 
as we are now producing, and it is only by continuing to so breed, 
that we can expect to improve them farther. The comb of the 
hen, to conform to the description already given in the descrip- 
tion of Single Comb Black Minorcas, must be much thinner and 
more pliable than that of the cock. The sex governs this, to a 
great extent, but not wholly, therefore there is danger of getting 
combs on our females too stiff, fleshy, and without the desired 
loop in front, when we breed too strenuously for the ideal male 
comb. The faces of both male and female Minorca should be 
wholly red, the lobes of both wholly white and almond shape, 
plumage the same in color in both sexes except that the brilliancy 
of the male is more intense. Thus the ccmb is the only point 
for which two matings are at all desirable. A medium mating 
from which the sexes will be more evenly ballanced, with regard 
to comb, is preferable to separate matings for males and females, 
but as the latter is favored by some, I will describe both. To 
make the descriptions more vivid and to show that they are 
wholly practical, I will refer to the engravings in this book, and 
describe some matings in which the birds so represented, figure 
either as progenitors or progeny. 

Black Giant, shown by the frontispiece, had a comb which 
was never known to bend or droop, yet it was a little thinner 
than the ideal for male comb prescribes. To have mated him 
with females with very thin exhibition combs would, no doubt, 
have produced a very high grade, and a large percentage of fme 
exhibition female combs, but we could not have reasonably ex- 
pected good male combs from such a mating. The females, with 
which he was mated, had excellent shape of combs but a little 
thicker than is desired for strictly exhibition hens. From this 
mating many prize winning males and females were produced, 
among which were the cockerel in ist prize breeding pen at New 
York show in 1896, the ist prize cockerel and ist prize pullet at 
Northampton, Mass., the same winter, Toro and Eleganta. For 



SELKCTION AND MATING OF BREEDING STOCK. 3S 

last two see engravings which show combs for both male and 
female as near perfect as 1 have ever seen, that of Toro being 
more than an inch thici< at the base. Had Toro been mated to 
females with combs like his dam or similar to the mates of Black 
Giant, the male progeny would probably have been free from 
weak or drooping combs, except for accident or lack of nourishing 
food, while the females from such a mating would have been 
very faulty in combs, and many of them disqualified. The soli- 
tary fault in Toro's build is that his legs are just a little too short. 
To overcome this in his progeny and keep the sexes ballanced 
with regard to comb, he was mated to females very similar to 
Eleganta in all respects, though, of course not akin to him. It 
will be noticed that Eleganta's comb is all that could be desired 
in an exhibition hen, and that she has legs to correspond in 
length with the size and build of her body. The same points of 
excellence were conspicuous in the hens mated with Toro. The 
results of this mating were excellent birds both male and female, 
of which Mammoth Belle shown by photo-engraving, is a striking 
example; being a hen of massive frame proportional length of 
legs, elegant shape though not photographed in her best position, 
excellent in head and all fancy points; a hen of practical Minorca 
type for all purposes of usefulness and beauty. A cockerel and 
pullet from the same mating were in the ist prize breeding pen 
at the New York show in 1897 and another cockerel won ist in 
smgle class at the same show. The ist prize hen at the great 
Boston show in 1898 was also from that mating. it is a notable 
fact that, in these two cases, similar results were obtained from 
quite different methods of mating; for in the first, the undesirable 
thinness of cock's comb was over-ballanced by opposite defect in 
the combs of hens, while in the latter the two extremes of per- 
fection were brought together. It is my opinion and the same is 
well sustained by experience, that the latter matings would not 
have been so successful, had Toro been bred from a long line of 
special male matings. Or, had Black Giant been produced from a 
long line of special female matings, 1 doubt if a son of his could 
have worn such a comb as that of Toro. 

Notwithstanding that a single mating for both sexes is prefer- 
able as a rule, and usually more progressive, there are times 
when extreme matings for special objects in either male or female 
are highly desirable for one or two generations. Though the 



34 MINORCAS; ALL VARIETIES. 

same, followed indefinitely, must result in almost total loss of the 
opposite sex as far as exhibition points are concerned. When, 
through ignorance or careless breeding, Minorca hens have 
acquired faulty combs, too small and lacking the correct loop and 
flexibility, a most wise mating to establish a better type of comb 
in their progeny, would be a well-bred male with large, drooping 
comb, the thinner the better, even to the point of falling over 
like a hen's comb, but it ought to be correct in outline and serra- 
tions. The progeny of this mating could then be mated to a male 
with large comb of medium thickness, which should produce some 
excellent birds, both male and female. A plan the reverse of this 
would correct the opposite extreme. 

Most selections of breeding stock are based on the idea that 
"like produces like" and this is true as far as may be, but crea- 
tures which have two parents cannot be exactly like both, unless 
the parents are alike, and this is not desirable for the vigor of the 
offspring, only so far as the parents conform to the true standard 
of the breed they represent, for any abnormal feature occurring 
in both parents is quite likely to be intensified in the offspring to 
an inordinate degree. Now as the characteristicsof the ancestors 
for several generations back are likely to appear in some of the 
young of each succeeding generation, it is impossible to select 
parent stock, however perfect themselves, that can be depended 
on to a certainty, to transmit only desirable qualities to their 
progeny. Therefore in selecting breeding stock, great care should 
be taken that each bird has a good lineage, which qualification 
combined with correct mating will have more influence 
on the offspring than individual excellence could have, lacking 
good pedigree or proper mating. But for best results and largest 
percentage of fine exhibition chicks all three must be combined. 
It is a good practice for a breeder to select from his flocks as they 
are growing up, chicks which he thinks will make the best 
breeders for the coming season. He will, of course, sometimes 
be disappointed in a bird when it is fully developed, but the 
practice will make him familiar with all the points of his birds, and 
is a great aid in mating when the time for that work comes; for 
it is necessary to consider all the points, giving due attention to 
each in proportion as it is more or less important. Many incorrect 
matings are the result of putting too much stress on one section. 
For instance, some seem to think that if a Minorca has perfect 



SELECTION AND MATING OF BREEDING STOCK. ft5 

cornb and lobes, it must be an ideal bird, even though it is defec- 
tive in nearly every other section. Others make color a specialty 
to the sacrifice of everything else, and I am sorry to say that 
some who pose as judges are too much of that opinion. To be a 
successful breeder, one must not indulge in hobbies with refer- 
ence to the separate qualities of his breed, though he ought to 
make the perfect type of the breed his hobby. He needs to 
know all the standard requirements of his chosen variety, and to 
be able to recognize the merits and faults in each section when 
he examines a bird; and it requires a practiced eye to be able to 
do this. 1 am often asked to inspect critically, birds which their 
owners consider almost perfect on account of good comb, lobes, 
plumage or a combination of all three which they think their 
birds possess, but 1 find a large majority of such fowls faulty and 
seriously so, especially in the shape of different sections, evident- 
ly because the breeder has overlooked the less conspicuous 
poHits in them and in the birds which produced them, probably 
through ignorance of some important points which are required in 
really superior birds. As it is the object of the fancier to have 
all of his breeding stock as near perfect as possible, and at the 
same time have them properly mated, he should select from a 
large number, which are the same blood, as many females as he 
wishes for one pen, taking care to have them as uniform as pos- 
sible. As all cannot be perfect, it should be his next object to 
overbalance any defect that may exist in his females by select- 
ing a male that is specially strong in the points where they are 
lacking, giving preference to females that are similar even in their 
defects, so that the male selected for one will be equally suited 
to all. As the male constitutes one-half of the breeding pen, 
much more importance attaches to his excellence than to that of 
any one hen in the pen. As so much depends on the male, one 
or two of the same breeding, as nearly like the first choice as 
possible should be kept in reserve, to take the place of the first 
if for any reason he cannot fill it satisfactorily, and for a large 
pen of females, two males of same breeding and characteristics can 
be used alternately, a day at a time, to good advantage. In 
selecting and mating it should always be remembered that 
Minorcas have gained the position they occupy, by merits of use- 
fulness in which they are superior to any other breed of fowls, 
which qualities may be summarized as follows: They are the 



^Q MINORCAS; ALL VARIETIES. 

largest non sitters known, they lay more eggs summer and win- 
ter than any other hens, and their eggs are larger than those of 
any other breed. These qualities naturally belong to them and 
can easily be retained and improved by careful mating and 
breeding, but breeders cannot afford to feel so confident as to 
forget to breed for these qualities of usefulness, and the external 
points which accompany them together with other desirable 
points of appearance. Length and depth of body and scantiness 
of fluff are indications of good laying qualities in Minorcas, and 
should not be overlooked in making selections for the breeding 
pen. 




^LorfMonTHi;p_ 

COPYRIGHTED 



■ELEGANTA" Weight lYz lbs. 



HATCHING AND REARING MINORCA CHICKS. 

It is a prevalent idea that chicks must be hatched very early 
in the season to make the best show birds, but 1 do not concur in 
this opinion in regard to Minorca chicks except for the early fall 
shows. Chicks hatched any time before June 20th are early 
enough for the winter shows. 1 once hatched a cockerel June 
27th which won ist in pen, at the Madison Square Garden Show 
the following February, in strong competition. Another hatched 
even later, in July, won ist as cock at 13^ years of age at 
Battle Creek, Mich., in a strong class of sixty birds, and received 
an official weight of 9^ lbs. To make such records, they, of 
course, need the best of care and every possible advantage 
to keep them always at their best. As already stated, 
earlier birds are better for the early shows, but the earliest, pul- 
lets especially, are apt to get past the pink of condition for 
exhibition, from continual laying before the time of the winter 
shows. 1 have seen excellent pullets beaten by really inferior 
ones which were in prime condition, just because the better ones 
had gone out of condition from prolonged laying. The best plan 
to have Minorcas laying all the year around, is to hatch some 
early and others as late as September. These latest will not 
begin laying till about April unless they are forced for laying, 
and they will continue later the next fall while the earlier ones 
are moulting. 

It is not important whether Minorca chicks are hatched by 
incubators or hens, but when hatched it is very important that 
they receive proper care. There is probably no need to give the 
details of what proper care is, as my readers will undoubtedly be 
persons of experience in the care of poultry, both old and young. 



HATCHING AND REARING MINORCA CHICKS. 39 

Those who are not, need a good poultry journal to keep them 
constantly admonished. Minorca chicks do not require different 
care from chicks of other breeds, for they are very hardy and 
will thrive where any other chickens can and under the same 
treatment. 

Many, who are not acquainted with Black Minorcas, expect 
them to be wholly black when first hatched. In this they are 
nearly always doomed to disappointment, for it is very unusual 
to see a pure bred Black Minorca chicken which is wholly black. 
They are partly black (sometimes smoky black) with light colored 
down around the eyes and under the neck and body and at the 
end of wings. When they first feather out, some of them show 
white feathers in the breast and wings, but the white generally 
disappears except from the wings, before they are six weeks old. 
The color of legs and feet vary, from nearly white to black when 
chicks are first hatched, but 1 have noticed that the chicks which 
have lightest feet and legs and the most white in plumage when 
young, are often among the blackest and best ot the matured 
fowls. Some have argued that the second moult after maturity 
reverts to the chicken color, but this has not been demonstrated 
in my experience, and my observations convince me that there is 
no likelihood of such being the case, except from some special 
cause. Some of the causes for change in color will be treated 
under "Preparation for Exhibition." 

The great principle to be kept in mind, in rearing chicks, is 
to let nature do the work of development without hindrance. We 
are, of course, hindering nature and defeating natural law, if, 
while we deprive chicks of full liberty, we fail to provide con- 
stantly and abundantly for their needs. We must confine them 
somewhat, to protect them from harm, and in so doing we make 
them dependent on ourselves for sustenance. Such rapidly 
growing creatures as Minorca chicks need a great deal of nourish- 
ment, but there is danger of ruining them by allowing them to 
over eat. For this reason they need to be fed very often, not 
less than five times daily, for the first two or three weeks of their 
life, that they need not get too hungry at any time as hunger 
will cause them either to over eat or so weaken them that they 
will not eat at all. Exposure to cold and dampness, and filthy 
quarters also hinder their development, and it is of greater 
importance than is generally supposed, that chicks are kept 



40 MINORCAS; ALL VARIETIES. 

steadily developing throughout their whole period of growth to 
make them capable, when matured, of their best, either for prac- 
tical or fancy purposes. 1 once had a striking example of this 
when 1 hired two different persons to rear chicks for me from eggs 
produced from a very fme pen of Black Minorcas. As both had 
eggs from the same pen, there should have been no great differ- 
ence in the quality of the chicks, especially in points like color, 
which are supposed to be controled^ by heredity. There is no 
doubt but heredity does control all points to a igreat extent, but 
the following shows how the course of nature can be perverted 
after the chicks are hatched and while they are growing. In the 
instance referred to, 1 gave one person one hundred eggs, the 
other only twenty-six. The twenty-six eggs were set about ten 
days later than the one hundred. All of the eggs hatched well, 
but the chicks in the larger flock soon began dying off from lack 
of care till only twenty-seven of them were left alive. Some 
were accidentally killed from the smaller flock, but they were 
well cared for and at four months old, twelve fine chicks were 
brought to me as the product of the twenty-six eggs. Of these 
twelve, the pullets averaged in weight, about four pounds each, 
and the cockerels weighed from four to five and one-half pounds 
each. The twenty-seven chicks, which I received at the same 
age, four months, did not average more than three pounds each, 
cockerels and pullets together. This lot had their tails and wing 
feathers broken and mussed from being crowded in small quarters 
to roost, with a large flock of old fowls, and were dwarfed every 
way from lack of nourishment. I gave both flocks the best of 
care after they were brought home. The twelve which had 
received good care while young, kept on developing and made 
large strong birds, several of them prize winners, and not one of 
that flock had feathers other than black when matured. None 
.of the other flock grew to the usual size and most of them had 
dull colored plumage and very many of them had gray feathers 
in wings and tail, in fact, I had more off color in those twenty- 
seven chicks than I ever had in a flock of one hundred chicks 
before or since. The impoverished condition of their systems 
made them unable to produce sufficient coloring matter for their 
feathers, and the time had passed when the perfect development 
of their bodies was possible. In other words, they had matured 
before development was completed. No one could have thought 



rtATCHING AND REARING MINORCA CHICKS. 4l 



that the two flocks were produced from, the same pen, but such 
was the case and it shows the importance of keeping chicks 
steadily growing from the time they leave the shell till they are 
fully matured. 1 would not be understood to mean that care 
alone can produce fine chicks from inferior ancestry but that the 
best blood and the best care must be combined for the best 
results. 



PREPARATION FOR EXHIBITION. 

Throughout the preceeding articles it has been shown that 
the preparation of birds to successfully meet strong compeiition 
in the show room, begins with the ancestors and follows the 
history of the bird to be exhibited, down to the moment when 
judgment is passed upon him. When a really excellent bird has 
reached maturity and shows points in all sections sufficiently 
meritorious to entitle him to a place among exhibition specimens, 
the further preparation consists mainly in preventive measures, 
therefore, in this connection, the casualities, which are likely to 
unfit our birds, for showing at their very best, are the subjects 
which interest us most. To prevent birds from becoming unpre- 
pared for exhibition, is, in my estimation, the best way to prepare 
them to show well. Lice are am.ong the worst enemies of fowls 
and lice should not be tolerated at any time. 

During moult, great care should be taken to let that process 
go on, without interruption, from the beginning till the birds are 
fully fledged. The more steadily the new feathers grow from 
the time they first start till they are fully grown, the more beau- 
tiful the new plumage will be, and the moulting fowl can no more 
produce fine feathers from a depleted system than can the grow- 
ing chick. Any neglect or accident at this critical season, may 
cause injury which cannot be repaired at show time. 1 am con- 
vinced that much of the barring, which so annoys fanciers of 
solid colored birds, is caused by sudden changes, in surrounding 
conditions or care, which alternately check and start the growth 
of the feathers, I have demonstrated this to my own satisfaction 
by means of experiments with different foods. It is also evident 
that exposure to sudden changes in the weather is likely to pro- 



PREPARATION FOR EXHIBITION. 43 

duce the same effect at the moulting season. 1 have found that 
sulphur in the food helps to brighten the plumage, but 1 cannot 
recommend its general use because, unless very cautiously given, 
it impairs the appetite and causes emaciation and susceptibility 
to cold and may thus result in much harm. Sun-flower seed, 
tlax-seed and oil meal, fed in small quantities, help to give gloss 
to the plumage and are harmless. 1 am still investigating the 
subject of plumage color, and expect soon to ascertain principles 
which will greatly aid the breeder in controling the peculiar tints 
of black birds w/iich fiave been properly bred, by special care and 
feeding. 

Anything which injures a pin-feather is likely to make that 
feather white or partly white when grown, therefore every pre- 
caution should be taken to avoid fighting and all disturbances 
among the moulting fiocks during the moulting period. There 
are cases, though they are rare, of black feathers becoming white 
after they are fully grown. The exact cause of this is not known, 
but it is supposed to be an external injury of some kind. I have 
observed several cases of this kind; one, in particular, was a 
Brown Leghorn cockerel in a fine flock of that variety from which, 
1 was engaged by the owner, to select the finest specimens for a 
show at which he wished to exhibit. The cockerel referred to, was 
among those which 1 selected, and he won first prize in strong 
competition, under one of our most competent judges. The 
following February 1 was again engaged to select and mate several 
breeding pens for the same gentleman to breed from the coming 
season. 1 selected the same cockerel to head a pen of Brown 
Leghorns and he was then in excellent color throughout. The 
following June, having business in the town where these birds 
were kept, 1 called on the owner again and was surprised that 
one of the long sickle feathers in the tail of the Brown Leghorn 
cockerel which 1 had so much admired was now nearly all white. 
1 was told that it had begun at the end farthest from the body, 
and had gradually changed till it was now as I saw it. The 
owner said that if he had bought that cockerel, he would have 
thought that feather had been colored before he received the 
bird and the color had faded or washed off, but as he had raised 
the bird he knew that the change of color was wholly a freak of 
nature or the result of some unknown cause. 



44 MINORCAS; ALL VARIETIES. 

Too much exposure to the hot sun or wind and rain after 
being housed through the winter, sometimes ruins the earlobes 
by causing them to bHster or chap, and fmally peel, which leaves 
more or less red in them according to the extent of peeling. This 
makes the chance of winning much less and may ruin the bird for 
show, though it does not injure him at all for breeding. 

Occasionally anointing the shanks and feet with carbolated 
vaseline will preserve their color and keep them in a clean condi- 
tion. Plenty of exercise is necessary to keep birds in health and 
vigor which is essential for exhibition. For about two weeks 
before the birds are sent to a show, they should be separated and 
receive special care and feeding, and a tonic should be added to 
their drinking water, for which the following formula is the best 
1 have used: two gallons of water, one gill of sulpuric acid, one- 
half ounce quinine, four ounces cheyenne pepper, one pound 
sulphate of iron. This must be kept in a bottle or jug. One 
tablespoonful of this mixture to two quarts of drinking water is 
about the right proportion. Give also a daily allowance of raw 
lean beef and some green vegetable food like apples, cabbage or 
onions. Let their apartments be freely littered witli straw to 
keep them clean and scatter all whole grain in the straw to make 
them scratch for it. Feed only a little at a time and often to 
keep them working. If Black Minorcas have been properly kept 
till show time, their plumage cannot be improved by washing. 
A damp cloth or sponge to remove the dust will be sufficient. 
Should the comb appear less firm than it ought, it may be improved 
by frequent bathing in a strong decoction of white oak bark. 

Just before putting the birds in the show pen, their combs, 
faces, lobes, wattles and feet should be thoroughly washed and 
dried. After washing, the combs, faces, and wattles should be 
rubbed over with a little camphorated oil, and the legs anointed 
with vaseline. 

The finest Minorcas that were ever bred can be easily ruined 
by neglect, but the best of care cannot transform a scrub to a tine 
exhibition bird. To be successful in the show, Minorcas must be 
first well bred and all the time, well cared for. 




WHITE MINORGAS. 

The White Minorcas are like the Blacks in shape and general 
characteristics, differing from them only in color and size. Their 
plumage and beaks are white, legs pinkish white and they do not 
average quite as large. At different shows where 1 have judged, 
I have found some White Minorcas which were up to standard 
weight, hut the greater number, fall a little below it. 1 consider 
them among the very best of all white breeds of fowls. Their 
owners invariably speak of them in the highest terms of praise 
as being excellent in all points of usefulness, except for sitting, 
and a very satisfactory variety to breed. 



46 MINORCAS; ALL VARIETIES. 

As 1 have never bred the White Minorcas and wish to give 
them due credit, I have solicited, for this work, articles from 
three Wliite Minorca breeders whose writings in the journals have 
greatly interested me. I know these three have been iminently 
successful in breeding and exhibiting the White Minorcas. Each 
has favored me with an excellent article which altogether cover 
the subject so thoroughly, that for me to add anything would be 
superfluous. Mr. E. W. Mayman of Sauk Rapids, Minn., 
kindly furnishes the cut of White Minorcas, and sends as his 
article, one which he had previously written for the Pacific 
Poultryman. 



ROSE COMB WHITE MINORCAS. 

A few specimens of Rose Comb White Minorcas have been 
exhibited at shows where I have judged, and a pair of them were 
shown at New York last winter. The owners of all I have seen 
have called them sports and said they were yet in the experimental 
state. I hope they will be bred till they become a distinct and 
valued breed, but as yet they are too few and their history too 
limited, to make an article in regard to them either profitable or 
interesting. 



BY MRS. J. G. OSBORNE. 



Strange as it may seem we have here a valuable breed of 
fowls very much neglected by the raisers of pure bred poultry. 
At least in looking through the advertising columns of our num- 
erous poultry journals we find very few who sell this noble breed. 
The White Minorca is not a new breed of fowls and its true 
characteristics should be well understood, but it seems by the 
various opinions expressed concerning them that their good qual- 
ities are not very generally known. While at first glance one 
might mistake the White Minorca for the White Leghorn, yet in 
the market or egg basket the difference is plainly discernible 
as both in size of body and eggs the Minorca is by far superior to 
the Leghorn. That they are good layers of large white eggs, 



WHITE MINORCAS. 



47 



the female not inclined to incubate except in rare cases, that 
they are active and mature early is true. 

We have been up and down in the poultry business for the 
last ten years with this breed exclusively, and of anything and 
everything that is classed under the name of "chicken" we 
esteem the White Minorca the highest. They are first to crow, 
first to cackle and lay, first and last at the nest all through life 
and a bird that is outstripped by none other among the pure 
breeds in the race for gain and profit. 1 am willing to acknowledge 
being somewhat prejudiced against black fowls and this may have 
something to do with the thought that the White Minorca is 
superior to his black brother, but even the most ardent admirer 
of the blacks will admit that a White fowl will sell better on the 
market than a black one, and here we have at least one point of 
superiority. The type of the White Minorca is a very large 
comb, large white earlobes, long wattles, with a long square 
body, straight back, rather heavy in the rear underneath, medium 
length of legs, and tail of medium size with no approach to the 
"squirrel" shape. The breed is capable of good size, large 
enough to please any reasonable breeder, and if bred for the true 
characteristics are graceful and handsome. Although some 
breeders have complained that the Standard weight was too high 
and have been in favor of having their weight reduced, yet by 
proper mating and management we have been successful in raising 
hens, pullets and cockerels up to and above standard weight and 
hope soon to announce eight and nine pound cock birds. The 
aim should be for the best stock as breeders, then give them 
proper care and the result will be most satisfactory. 

Cedar Glen Poultry Farm, Fabius, N. Y. 



BY E. W. MAYMAN, IN PACIFIC POULTRYMAN. 

During the eight years that I have bred the White Minorcas 
I have from time to time made dilligent inquiry as to their true 
origin, and sought information from breeders of this now popular 
fowl, both in England and America, it is of course understood 
and admitted that their origin was in England some ten or twelve 
years ago, and that their advent in America was one or two 
years later. That 'originally they were a sport from the Blacks 



48 MINORCAS; ALL VARIETIES. 

all of their fanciers and patriotic advocates seem to agree. The 
idea of producing a white fowl from the blacks of the same breed 
and characteristics no doubt suggested itself from the black fowls 
throwing dingy black stock, and more strikingly still, from the 
Blacks producing so many chicks with white wing feathers. This 
will occur from the best of stock, for breeders of Black Minorcas 
have not failed to notice a mixture of yellowy white down in the 
newly hatched Black Minorca chicks, and later, when feathered, 
white feathers in the wings, and often tail feathers tipped with 
white. These, however, usually disappear when the youngsters 
moult their chicken feathers, a black feather usually supplanting 
the white. Yet doubtless those white foreign feathers suggested 
the idea that by inbreeding systematically a white fowl could be 
produced ; and in some way, doubtless, an enthusiast produced 
the now famous White Minorca. Or it might have been by pure 
accident, for I have in my yards at the present time — from a 
hatch in June last from Black Minorca eggs — two White Minorcas, 
a cockerel and a pullet, the cockerel having but three black 
feathers in the wing coverts. A friend of mine who breeds Black 
Minorcas solely, enjoyed a similar freak — if freak it may be 
termed — from his birds in 1893, producing therefrom three White 
Minorcas, a cockerel and two pullets, which afterwards won 
second premium at Minneapolis, January, 1894. So, whether 
their origin was by some ardent enthusiast or by a freak of 
nature, 1 have up to this writing been unable to ascertain ; but 
as we find "a man amongst men," they truly are "a fowl 
amongst fowls. Yet, as with other varieties of breeds, they 
have doubtless been improved in size by the infusion of other 
blood — this to meet the weight clause in the "Standard of Per- 
fection." Such improvement takes time, money and patience, 
and the genius of the fancier is often greatly taxed when failure 
at several attempt stares him in the face; but not to be denied 
his object of passion, by careful study and selection in time he 
arrives at success. The results are, that we now have in the 
White Minorcas a fowl that anyone who has tested their merits 
can vouch for as being the foremost as egg producers, and being 

arger than the Leghorn are not to be despised as table fowls. 
The standard weight of the White Minorca is: Cock, 8 pounds; 
cockerel, 6}4 pounds ; hen, 6}4 pounds; and pullet, t^}4 pounds. 

Whilst this weight cannot be maintained throughout, yet by 



WHITE MINORCAS. 49 



careful selection in the breeding stock an average percentage of 
standard birds will be the result, providing, of course, that proper 
care and attention has heen given them. The true aim of the 
ardent Minorca fancier is, a typical Minorca, and to such breeder 
and fancier we recommend intending purchasers, for the true in- 
trinsic value, the elegance and beauty, are only to be found in 
the typical breed or strain. The true type of the White Minorca 
is identical with that of the Black, having a long, squarely formed 
body, well rounded at or near the neck, broad back with a 
tendency to be flat, terminating at an angle at the tail. The 
comb, as in the Black, must be fairly large, firm and evenly 
serrated, with from five to seven spikes, and carried erect, whilst 
in the female the size of the comb is usually regulated and con- 
forms to the size of the fowl, turning over to one side, with serra- 
tions in proportion to the male. The comb of the male should 
extend well on the front of the beak, which has a tendency to 
balance and hold it firm, and by extending well over the head, 
tends to give harmony and elegance. The earlobes should be 
moderately large, smooth, free from folds or wrinkles, and pure 
white, free from tinges of yellow or red, one-half of which is a 
disqualification. The face and eyes are a coral rea. The face 
should show no signs of white whatever, which is a disqualifica- 
tion. The wattles should be long and even, conforming in length 
to size of comb, giving a more graceful appearance to the fowl, 
which is always readily noticed, being so striking in contrast with 
the snowy white plumage. The legs and feet, which are white 
or pinkish white, should be set firmly on the middle of the body, 
and should be stout and set moderately wide apart, which gives 
the fowl a bold, dignified appearance. The tail of the White 
Minorca, as in the Black, is set well back and carried moderately 
up, not to spread too much and carried straight, giving no appear- 
ance of wry-tail. 

White Minorcas mature early, growing very rapidly for the 
first eight or nine weeks, and I firmly believe that up to this age 
their development is more rapid than that of any other breed. 
With White Minorcas as described, together with vigor and 
activity, we have a fowl pleasing to the eye as well as to the 
pocket-book. To keep them vigorous and full of activity, as 
with any breed, careful mating is of the utmost importance. In 
the first place, it is largely to the interest of intending purchasers 



50 MINORCAS; ALL VARIETIES. 

of whatever breed, to secure their stock from breeders of some 
reputation, and by following the rules of mating them as the 
seasons come around, taking every precaution not to use interior 
stock because they may be possessed of such. Therefore, do 
not be afraid to cull your breeding stock well; then vigor and 
activity, together with all other combinations characteristic of 
the fowl, will surely follow, and for the pains and severity of 
culling you will surely meet with success. The White Minorcas 
are a non-sitting breed, and are very prolific layers, their eggs 
being moderately large and pure white. There are few birds if 
any, that rival them in the production of eggs. This fact having 
become sustained and widel}' known gives them a reputation 
worth having; hence they are fast becoming popular, being much 
sought after by fanciers who are alert to business, as well as by 
farmers who are seeking a practical fowl, gaining a business 
record on a business principle. 

Enjoying the reputation they have attained, their popularity 
is bound to increase. We believe their qualities continue to in- 
crease, which knowledge is appreciated by their admirers, and it 
is doubtless the earnest endeavor of many who fancy and breed 
them to establish flocks that will prove profitable and achieve 
success in the show room, which prominence together with 
printers' ink, will eventually bring to their owners patronage 
from a wide field. 

Sauk Rapids, Minn. 



BY C. W. JEROME & CO. 



In this brief article, it is not our purpose to trace the history 
of this notable breed of fowls, but rather to speak of them as 
they are bred in America to-day. They have been much longer 
known and appreciated in England than in America, and were 
first brought here from that country. The Minorca fowls now 
stand at the head of all varieties, for egg production, while at the 
same time they keep pace in other points of usefulness, their 
meat being fine grained, juicy, and of delicious flavor. 

They are hardy, and easily raised by either natural or artificial 
means, but if natural mothers are employed, they must be 
"adopted" ones, as the Minorcas are non-sitters. 



WHITE MINORCAS. 51 

The chicks mature very rapidly, "and begin to lay at an early 
age, and none can excel them as prolitlc layers of large, white 
eggs, at all seasons, for if warmly housed, and properly fed, they 
are excellent Winter layers, and with plenty of litter to scratch 
in, they will take as much exercise as they need, and bear con- 
finement as well, or better than most breeds. 

The true, pure Minorca is the best Minorca, requiring no 
crossing of foreign breeds to enhance its value. Such a cross 
would invariably decrease their egg production, which, after all, 
is the most valuable trait of the White Minorcas, and the one 
which should be most carefully propagated. 

The American type of Minorca conforms more closely to the 
ideal egg-type than does the more sluggish English bird, and 
wherever they are bred principally for beef, much of their beau- 
tiful shape and symmetry of contour will be destroyed, and by 
making them more sluggish, will soon affect their egg production. 

It is the sprightly, active Minorcas that furnish the large 
white eggs in such quantities as to render them more and more 
popular with practical, every day poultrymen, and making it 
exceedingly difficult for breeders of the "egg type" of White 
Minorcas to supply the rapidly increasing demand for these fowls 
which are both beautiful and profitable in the highest degree, to 
the farmer as well as fancier. 

There is no more beautiful sight among fowls, than a well 
bred flock of White Minorcas, with their large, bright red combs, 
pure white plumage, and sprightly, graceful movements, adorn- 
ing alike the city lot and country homes, while at the same time, 
they supply the epicure with eggs and meat of the finest quality 
and flavor. Those who once get a good strain of White Minorcas 
seldom wish to part with them, or exchange them for any other 
breed. •~- 

Fabius, N. Y. 



Northup's Minorcas 

ARE KNOWN THE WORLD OVER TO STAND 
AT THE HEAD 

of all Black Minorcas for laying and exhibition purposes. 
Their fame is unsurpassed in all parts of the United 
States, and has spread throughout Canada, Mexico, The 
West Indies, Bermuda, England, Germany, Holland, 
Denmark, Russia, Hindoostan, Australia, New Zealand, 
and South Africa. 

When 1 could no longer exhibit at the shows without 
competing against my customers, 1 ceased to exhibit, and 
have not entered a Single Comb Black Minorca in com- 
petition, since the winter of 1889, — but since that time, 
have made a specialty of breeding show birds for sale and 
furnishing eggs from which such can be hatched. 1 have 
reared and sold some of the most important ist prize win- 
ners in nearly every state in the Union, beside success- 
fully exporting to many foreign countries. 

241 Of My Cdstorn^rs gave rae l\i)o or Mor? Orders diirinj 

the Y^ar of 1897. 

Many others have renewed their patronage of former 
years; and some have bought of me nearly every year 
since I have bred Minorcas. This proves that I give good 
value, and satisfy those who buy from me. 

At the Madison Square Garden show February, 1898 
1 exhibited 18 Rose Comb Black Minorcas and won, in 
strong competition ist and 2nd cock, ist and 2nd hen, 
ist and 2nd cockerel, ist and 3rd pullet, and ist and 2nd 
pen. 

Rose and Single Comb Black Minorca eggs and 
Fowls for sale. 

Send for illustrated catalogue of the largest Minorca 
Farm in the world. It is free but worth the stamp re- 
quired to send it. 

GEORGE H. NORTHUP, Raceoilie, Wash. Co., N. Y 




I Tliiele's Poultry. PJQ eon S: 
Pet Stock Yards -i^ 

RUDOLPH THIELE 

Silver Hill P. 0., Prince George Co., Md. 



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BLACK MINORCAS 

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My breeding stock were hatched from stock of (Geo. H. 
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ROUP AND CHOLERA. 

Extract from a letter from W. H. Stewart, 302 East Way- 
ne St., Fort Wayne, Ind., Apr. 30, '88. — I am a breeder of 
fancy Poultry, and can recommend Gargling Oil as a sure 
cure for Roup and Cholera. When I find any of my chick- 
ens apparently ailing, I give one teaspoonful of Gargling 
Oil in a little Water two or three times a day for a couple 
days. It seems to give them strength 

SCABBY LEGS. 

Extract from a letter from Chas. De La Baume, Uintah, 
Utah. - In case of scabby leg in fowls, the Gargling Oil is a 
sure cure. 

FOR USE IN YARD. 

Will F. Wright, of Colsher & Wright, Breeders & Ship- 
pers of Fancy Poultry, Noblesville, Ind., says- After trying 
almost everything recommended for Chicken Cholera I tried 
your celebrated Gargling Oil, and after about 5 years ex- 
perience with It in my own yards and several others, I have 
found it to be a cure. It will break up the disease in a yard 
promptly. I know Gargling Oil cures the Cholera; trial 
after trial proves it. I have just cured etc., etc. 




AND 
SINGLE 



ROSE 
COMB BUCK 
MINORCAS 

E.W.BillSCo., 

BeIoit,]Wis. 

p. O. Box I294.C. 

Turtle Poultry Farm, 

719 Milwaukee Road. 



'IVANHOE" 1st Prize R. C. Cock. 

From an unrttoucLed Photograph. 



THERE 15 NOTMINQ BETTER TO FIT 
BIRb5 FOR THE 5H0W ROOn THAN 



NORTHUP'S 
EGG FOOD._ 



It Makes hens lay more eggs, summer and winter, than any other 
preparation. It is a highly condensed nutriment, scientifically 
prepared for the purpose of producing eggs and flesh, by furnish- 
ing every substance contained in them in carefully estimated pro- 
portions Hens do not usually lay as many eggs in winter as in 
summer, because they are deprived of many articles of food which 
nature provides. Supply hens by feeding Northup's Egg Food, 
and they will lay a? well in winter as in summer. NoRTHUP's 
Egg Food will four times repay its cost in eggs with less expense 
for food. Though not a medicine, it prevents roup, cholera and 
gapes, and will cure a mild form of either. Fowls fed on it may 
be relied on to produce fertile eggs, as it constantly renews and 
invigorates the system. 

It stimulates the growth of feathers and adds a brilliant gloss to 
the plumage. 

Price.— 3 lbs. 50 cts.; 7 lbs. $1 00 delivered at Middle Gran- 
ville express office. 

Paw Paw, Mich. 
Geo. H. Northup, Esq.:— Yours of the 22d ints. at hand. Will 
say I am very muc/i in favor of your Egg Food for laying hens ; 
also for for /tens that are moulting. 

Yours, F. P GRIMES. 

About the Egg Food. I was very much pleased with it, and 
wish I could procure more. Have you an agent on this coast ? 
The expressage is so high that I can hardly afford to send so far, 
but if you do have an agent on this coast please let me know. Be- 
sides its great egg-producing qualities it is excellent to keep the 
hens healthy. 

Yours, GEO. H. FOSTER. 

130 Croton St., Cleveland. 
Geo. H. Northup, Raceville, N. ^Y., Dear Sir:— Your "Egg 
Food" has done wonders for my fowls. They never laid so many 
eggs before and it has improved their looks wonderfully and seems 
to keep them in good condition. I shall use it in getting my fowls 
fit for exhibition purposes the coming year. 

Yours, &c. WM. C. BARNEY. 

Address all orders to 

GEORGE H. NORTHUP, 

RACEVILLE, Wash. Co., N. Y. 

Post Office Orders should be payable at Middle Granville, N. Y . 




INCUBATORS 

If you want an INCUBATOR, 
buy the 

OL-ENTTXNGYI 



No matter how many other makes you may hear 
of, or h«w many catalogues you may receive from 
other firms, or how many guarantees they give, if 
you wish to make a success hatching and raising 
poultry, buy the Olentangy Self • Regulating Incu- 
bators and Brooders. For catalogue, address, 

GEORGE S. SINGER, Cardington, 0. 



Eggs for Hatchin(; 
48 Varieties. 



110 Houses. 



Fowls fok Sale. 
110 Yards. 



^^emostmoneyI 

in the poultry business conies from early maturity. EARLY chicks that Ui 
make EARLY PULLETS that begin to LAY EARLY the eggs that pro- 
(luce Early Broilers. These things are easily possible to those wlio use the 

I RELIABLE INCUBATOR AND BROODER 

necessary adjuncts to success in the poulcry mdustry. 
Entirely automatic and self regulating. Sold under 
guaranty. In our Book on Incubation and Poultry 
which we send for 10 cents we tell all about it. 
RELIABLE INCUB. & BROODER CO., QUINCY, IN. 




trated boolc eontaiQiag much 
talUKble iafurmatisD- 



THE IMPROVED- 
MONITOR 

INCUBATOR. 

Hundreds of t«8tlmonlal9 u 
to its merita over all othek 
makea. Orer one haadrM 
First PremiQini. MedaU 
and Plplomag awarded 
at the World's Fair. 
Birv THE BEST.— 

THE MONITOR CO., 



Ti William St., Moodus, Conn. 



RABBITS 



THE OXLT LOW-COST BOOK ON THE RABBIT 
over publishedtoour knowledge, is "The Rabbit: How to 
t elect, Breed and Manage the Rabbit tor Pleasure orProf- 
11 " by W. N. Richardson, Secretary of the American Bel- 
gian Hare Club, and a man of long experience with Rab- 
)its. Second edition now ready, nicely Illustrated, en- 
larged and much improved. Price 25 cts, or with A.mhri- 
CAN Poultry AT>voc,\TKone year40cts. 
„, , ^ ^ CLARKNCE C. DePUY, Publi.sher, 
314-320 East Onondaga St., Syracuse, N. T. 



nilTC FORPOULTRYMEN,;;,S%, 

I III ■% Fanciare, Nurserymen, Florists, Beekeepers, 
I ■ %0 I %^ Dairymen, Gardeners, Frultmen, Printers, 
^^ n r QTA n 1/ Btc. Electrotyping done. List FRE£. 

U r O I U ulV Clahence C. DePuy, Sr/iACUSE, N, K, 



PRINTINBI 



For Poultry and Stock Kanclera, 
I Beakeepers, Nurserymen, Florists, 
I Dairymen, Fruit Growers, Farm- 
ers, etc., a specialty. Wt have a large Une of electrotype 
onts for illustrating your work. Samples ftee. Cuts for sale. 
Envelopes, letterheads, cards, and tags from 40cts. per 100 and up. 
DePuy'» Electric Printlnc Works, Oyracuse, P». Y. 



Qlarepce 0. DeBiiy, 
Printer, - Publisher 



AND WHOLESALE STATIONER. 



314-320 E. Onondaga St., 



SYRACUSE. N. Y. 



PRINTING 

FOR 

Poultry and Stock Fanciers 

A 5FEQI4LTY. 

I^ii have a very large collection of 
Poultry, Pigeon, Pet Stock and 
Live Stock Illustrations which wc 
can use on any printing you order of us 
without extra charge. We have -unex- 
celled facilities for getting out first-class 
Printing of all kinds protnptly. Five 
Steant power printing presses. Our 
prices are very low for first-class work . 
Letterheads, Cards, Tags, Envelopes, 
Billheads, etc., printed at prices ranging 
from yo cts. per loo and up, prepaid. 
Large line of Electrotype cuts for sale. 
Samples and price list of our work free. 
Circulars, Catalogues and all kinds of 
printed stationery executed on short 
notice. 



PRINTING 

E-^tnblishea 1874. 

Twenty-one years in the Printing business. Cata- 
logues, Circulars, Cards, Envelopes, Letterheads, 
Billheads, Tags, Labels, etc. We have an unlimited 
variety of cuts to illustrate your printing, of Poultry, 
Pigeons, Dogs, Pet Stock, Swine, Sheep, Cattle, 
Horses, Secret Society, Floral, Fruit, Vegetables, Or- 
namental, Different Trades, etc. Large cut s for Cat- 
alogues, and Circulars, small cuts for small work, 
printed stationery, etc. Let us quote you prices on 
what you want. Samples and general price-list free. 
Try our work by ordering one of these combinations, 
viz: 

Fnr ^1 nn 100XX6, high cut Envelopes and 10061b 
rUr ^>I.UU Letterheads, in pad, all delivered to you 
Tnii <t9 nn 100 XX 6, high cut. Envelopes, 1006B>, 
rUl^'U'wU Letterheads in pad, 100 3i5 ins. Busi- 
ness Cards, 100 No. 5 Shipping Tags and 100 Egg 
Labels, allfor$2.00deliTered to you. 
Tnn CA nn 250 XX 6, high cut, Envelopes, 250 61b. 
rur ^H.UU Letterheads in 2 pads, 250-3i5 ins. 
Business Cards and 250 No. 5 Shipping Tags, all de- 
livered to yourexpress office. 

AMERICAN POUT.TRY ADVOCATE, 
20-pages, illustrated, practical and popular. 25 cts. per 
year. 4 months' trial, 10c. Sample Free. 64-page 
practical poultry book free to yearly subscribers^ 
Book alone 10c. Catalocue of poultry books freeo 
C C. DkPUY, Publisher* Printer, Syracuse, N. Y. 



WEDDIWG fWVITATIOWS 

Or Announcements. 100 Steel Plate script for $4.00, .'50 
for $2.75, complete, delivered. 100 Visiting Cards 75ct8. 
Established 1874. C. C. DkPTTY, Sykaotjsk, N. Y. 



PUBLISHER OF ^\^ 

DePay's Popular Poiilfry and P^t Stock Books, 
flni^rican Poultry Advocate, and 
DePUy's Subscription Agency List. 



BREEDERS DIRECTORY. 



GEO. L. AUMOCK, Weedsport, N. Y., R. C. B. Minorcas and R. C. B. Leghorns. 

DAVID FRENCH, Flushing, Belmont Co., Ohio, S. C. B. Minorcas, (Northup's 
Strain.) 

MRS. F. E. PHELPS, Urbana, Ohio, Black Minorcas exclusively. 

EDWARD S. BROWN, Scottsville, N. Y., White Minorcas. 

R. STORY, 187 Arlington Ave., Brooklyn, N. Y., Black Minorcas exclusively. 

C. A. THOMPSON, Melrose, Conn., Black and White Minorcas 

RIVERSIDE POULTRY YARDS, M. S Giddings, propr., New Milford, Conn., 
Barred Plymouth Rocks. 

MINORCA POULTRY YARD, C. H. Colrider, prop., 504 N. Tenth St., Reading, 
Pa., Rose and Single Comb Black Minorcas. 

M. V. DECKER, Columbiana, O., S. C. Black Minorcas 

P. R. BARTRAM, 3 Terrace St., Fredonia, N. Y., Thoroughbred Poultry. 

ELIAS H. ADAMS, Ellwood, Pa., Rose Comb Black Minorcas. 

P. E. TWINING, Kipton, O., High Class Poultry. 

FOUNTAINS and LEG BANDS, R. L. Wheeler, 63 Cambridge St., Lowell, Mass. 

C. N. BLISS, 1613 Queen Ave. N , Minneapolis, Minn., Black Minorcas and Black 
Langshans. 

W. Y . PINE, Dodge City, Kansas, Pure Northrup S. C. B. Minorcas. 

SARAH SHAW. Whitney, N. Y., Pure Bred White and Black Minorcas. 

DR. E. A. SHILLINGER, Dalton, Mass, Black Minorcas 

T. R. OGDEN, Leonta, N. Y.. Black Minorcas. 

ANDREW R A PP, Cambridge, Minn., Barred Plymouth Rocks and Brown Leg- 
horns. 

F. B. KARL, Delaware, Ohio, S. C. Black Minorcas. 

WM HARDY, Parnassus, Westmoreland Co , Pa., Black Minorcas. 

A. S. STANDIFORD, P. O. Station H., Baltimore, Md., Pure Bred Golden Polish 
and Buff Leghorns. 

REV. W. CHAMBERLIN, Derby, Conn., Box 509, Black Minorcas. 

TOHN A. GAMEWELL, Hackensack, N. J., Black Minorcas 

JOHN F. BRADY, Independence, Jackson Co ,Mo.,S. C B. Minorcas. 

CLARENCE C. DePUY, Syracuse, N. Y., Light Brahmas. 

J. N. DENNY, Black Minorcas exclusively, Vernon, Texas. 

HENRY A. STEARNS, P. O Box 168, Canon City, Colo. 

BREEDERS CARDS. 

BUFF, WHITE LEGHORNS, Black Minorcas, White Plymouth Rocks, eggs 
75 cts per 15; $1.25 per 30; $2.00 per 60. Circular free /o/i/i A. Roth, Mil- 
ford Square, Pa. 

GEO. H. CAHOON, breeder of high class Black Minorcas. Eggs for hatching 
$1.00 per setting of 13. Breeding stock for sale at all times, $2.00 and upwards 
North Falmouth, Mass. 

G. B. ERWIN, Manager Erwin Poultry and Stock Farm, Erwin, Ga , breeder 
of high class Registered Berkshires, Mammoth White Turkeys, White Wyan- 
lottes, Black Minorcas and Indian Games. Write for prices. 

MV. ALLEN, Ovid, N. Y., breeder of Single and Rose Comb Black Minorcas, 
, Northup's and other leading strains. Bred not only for fine birds, but also 
for large eggs and the most of them. Stock for sale. Eggs in season. 

CA. THOMPSON, Melrose, Conn , breeds Black and White Minorcas that have 
, won at the leading shows in New England the past five years. At the great 
Boston and Hartford shows i8g8, won 18 prizes. Catalogue and show room record 
free. 



J 



s 



C. BLACK MINORCAS exclusively, Northup strain. Eggs for hatching in 
»^_^, season, $2 00 for 13. A few fine cockerels for sale from $3.00 to $5.00 each. 
Orchard Poultry J Vr/v/.f, Garret H. Demarest, Proprietor, Fair Lawn, Bergen Co, 
New Jersey, 



MY BLACK MINORCAS are "equal to any". For the last three years I have 
won all the ist prizes but one at the Ind. State Poultry Show. My Min- 
orcas are noted for large size and fine color, having the green sheen. A. E. Mere- 
dith, Indianapolis, Ind. 



SILVER WYANDOTTES and White Crested Black Polish, prize winners at 
Onon. Co. Fair and wherever shown. Stock for sale after Sept. ist. Eggs in 
season. Send 2-cent stamp for prices Syracuse Poultry Yards, Peter Marsfelder, 
Prop'r., 112 Helen St., Syracuse, N. Y. 



BLACK MINORCAS EXCLUSIVELY, (full Northup strain), bred from the 
best stock in the world. My matings should produce extra fine birds. Book 
your orders early. Birds for sale, eggs in season, send for circular E . D. Crouch, 
1013 G. Street, S. E., Washington, D. C. 

WEST SHORE POULTRY YARDS, Mortimer, N. Y., E. Milton Halpm, 
Prop'r. Standard bred Chinese Langshans, S. C. W. Leghorns, Belgian 
Hares, Fantail Pigeons. 1 won first prize on pair Hares Rochester '98. Stock and 
eggs in season. Satisfaction guaranteed. 



ROSE AND SINGLE COMBED Black Minorcas of best strains; also White 

Wyandottes, Plymouth Rocks, Light Brahmas, White Leghorns, Buff Pekin 

Bantams, Pekin Ducks, Toulouse Geese, Belgian Hares and Beagle Hounds of the 
bluest blood. Stock and eggs for sale. Win G. Hunter, Peterboro, N. H. 

PROFITABLE POULTRY. Pine Tree Poultry Yards, Black Minorcas and 
White Wyandottes exclusively. Prize winning stock. Our strain of Minorcas 
has made wonderful egg records. Our Wyandottes are the best all around fowl. 
Our prices defy competition, quality considered. Eggs and breeders in season. Hen- 
ry D. Hunt, Columbia, Conn. 

EDWARD GALSTER, Teall Ave., cor. Manlius St., Syracuse, N. Y , breeder of 
thoroughbred Poultry. Buff, Black and White Pekin, Golden Seabright, B. B. 
Red Game, Red Piles, Black Rose Comb and Golden Duckwing Bantams. Silver 
Spangled Hamburgs, Black Minorcas, S. C. Brown Leghorns, Barred Plymouth 
Rocks, Langshans, Buff Cochins, Wyandottes, Japanese Silkies, also Fancy Pigeons. 
Enclose stamp for prices of eggs and fine stock. 

MADISON SQUARE, NEW YORK, Washington, D. C, Plainfield, N. J., 
Scranton, Pa , Pittston, Pa., Wilkes-Barre, Pa", Reading, Pa , Mt. Gretna, Pa. 
first premium Black Minorcas have been bred by us. We sold four cocks for $155 
viz: $50, $40, $40, $2q, all shipped on approval. This proves the kind of Minorcas 
we breed. Poor hatches duplicated free. Stock sold on approval. Write for prices 
before buying. /. M. Wilcox &= Son, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 

s. For the poultryman. Best in the world. 

eft in price. Send for circular and testi- 

mooials. Wilson Bros., EA8TON, PA. 




BARTLETT'S Q. K. FOOD. 

IS IVIADE FROM 

MEAT and BONE 

Cooked, Dried and Ground to tine Sweet Meat. Have you tried it ? 
If not, send for sample bag. 

PI^ICE ONE DOLLAR. 

Also send for catalogue on 

BEEF SCRAPS, GRANULATED BONE, DISSICATED FISH, OYSTER 

SHELLS, CUT GREEN BONE AND MEATS. 

Also Bartlett'.s Diamond Grit. o 

Agents Wanted. C. A, BARTLETT. WORCESTER, MASS. 



POULTRY BOOKS. 



THE AMERICAN STANDARD OF PERFECTION— As adopted bj 
the American Poultry Association, in 189S, containing a complete De- 
scription of all the Recognized Varieties of Fowls, published and printed for 
the American Poultry Association. We only sell the latest revised edition. 
Price $1.00 per copy, handsomely and strongly bound in cloth, which in- 
cludes a yearly subscription to the American Poultry Advocate. 
Clarence C. DePuy, Syracuse, N. Y. 

PHILOSOPHY OF JUDGING FOWLS— by Felch, Babcock and Lee. 
A manual upon the scoring of exhibition fowls. Intended to meet the 
wants of the general breeder and exhibitor, as well as the professional 
judge. An illustrated companion to the "Standard," by which the amateur 
can readily pick out the best birds in his flock for exhibition and breeding. 
Should be in the library of every fancier. Same size as the American 
Standard of Perfection, handsomely bound in strong cloth binding, by mail 
postpaid, for $1.00, including the American Poultry Advocate for one 
year. Clarence C. DePuy, Syracuse, N. Y. 

INCUBATION AND ITS NATURAL LAWS-by Chas. A. Cyphers, 
— Gives the Laws Controlling the Four Physical Forces cf Incubation. 
History of Artificial Incubation from 1356. Embryonic developement of 
the chick traced day by day, finely illustrated. Laws of distribution and 
regulation of heat. Correct amount of ventilation. Laws that contiol the 
movement of air and gases, humidity and evaporation. Cause of chicks 
dying in shell, etc. An invaluable aid to artificial incubation. Price 50 
cents, or with the American Poultry Advocate one year for 60 cents. 
Clarence C. DePuy, Syracuse, N. Y. 

BEGIN NOW to keep an egg record and account of your fowls. We 
furnish the most simple, practical and, easily kept book for the pur- 
pose, at 25 cents, postpaid. New, enlarged and improved edition, or with 
the American Poultry Advocate, one year 40 cents. C. C. DePuy, 
Syracuse, N. Y. 

C LOUGH'S BANTAM BOOK— This will be the finest book on BarT- 
tams ever published. Birds printed in their natural colors. Every 
breed described. Tells how to mate, breed and care for them. Also 20 
pages on diseases by Dr. Fox. All for 15 cts., or with the American 
Poultry Advocate, one year for 35 cts. C. C DePuy, Syracuse, N. Y. 

OW COST POULTRY HOUSES— by J. Wallace Darrow.— Plans 
and specifications for Poultry Buildings costing from $25 to $ico, 
with a chapter on Poultry House Conveniences. A valuable, practical 
treatise for amateurs on Poultry Buildings. Illustrated. Price 25 cents, 
or with the American Poultry Advocate, one year 42 cents. C. C. 
DePuv, Syracuse, N. Y. 



NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL DUCK CULTURE,— by James 
Rankin.— A complete treatise on the duck: hatching, rearing, man- 
agement, varieties. Illustrated with cuts of different varieties, eggs in all 
stages of incubation, also buildings for old and young. The author, who 
has perhaps made more money out of ducks than any one man in America, 
here gives his experience covering thirty years. Price 50 cents, or with 
the American Poultry Advocate, one year 65 cents. C. C. DePuy, 
Syracuse, N. Y. 



THE AMERICAN FANCIER S POULTRY BOOK— by George E. 
Howard. — Contents: Poultry Industry, General Management, The 
Egg, Incubation, The Chick, Receipts for Feeding, Feeding for Eggs, 
House-Building, Keeping Eggs, Caponizing, Diseases, The Breeds in 
Classes: American, Asiatic, Mediterranean, Polish, Hamburg, French 
Class, English Class, Games and Game Bantams, Bantam other than Games, 
Miscellaneous and Turkeys, Waterfowl Classes, Ducks, Geese, and The 
Swan. 250 illustrations, 166 pages. Price 50 cents, or with American 
Poultry Advocate one year for 65 cents. C. C. DcPuy, Syracuse, N. Y. 



F 



THE POULTRY ARCHITECT.— This book illustrates 117 designs 
and plans of poultry houses, coops, fences, roosts, nest boxes, feed 
troughs, and other necessaries for the poultry jard, with practical informa- 
tion on their construction. Price 25 cents, or with the Amer ican Poultry 
Advocate, one year for only 42 cents. C. C. DePuv, Syracuse, N. Y. 

*IVE HUNDRED QUESTIONS AND ANSWER ON POULTRY 
^ RAISING — by P. H.Jacobs. — A book of practical and authentic in- 
formation in the form of Questions and Answers on various subjects, as 
Feed and Care, Diseases, Eggs, Incubators. Buildings, etc., with a chapter 
on Turkeys, Geese and Ducks. Price 25 cents, or with the American 
Poultry Advocate one year, for 42 cents. C. C. DePuy, Syracuse, N. Y. 

THE INCUBATOR AND ITS USE— by James Rankin.— This book 
is a plain, unvarnished statement, going into the smallest detail, and 
is the actual experience oE the most successful market poultry raiser in the 
United States. It is unquestionably the best text-book for beginners and 
amateurs that was ever issued. Price 25 cents, or with the American 
Poultry Advocate one year 40 cents. C. C. DePuy, Syracuse, N. Y. 

IXTEEN YEARS' EXPERIENCE IN ARTIFICAL POULTRY 
RAISING — -by J. Rankin. — This is another book which everybody 
who buys an incubator should read It treats as follows: My First Experi- 
ence with Incubators, Home-made Incubators, Best Location for Incu- 
bators, Testing Eggs, Management of Eggs During Incubation, The Science 
of Incubation, The Care of Incubators, Brooders, their Care and Construc- 
tion, The Care of Chicks, Raising Early Ducks for Market, Marketing 
Poultry, Buildings, Selection of Breeding Stock, Diseases, etc. IJlustratrd. 
Price 25 cents, or with the American Poultry Advocate one year 40 
cents. C. C. DePuy, Syracuse, N. Y. 

THE ART OF POULTRY BREEDING— by J. H. Davis —This book 
is invaluable to the amateur who wishes to learn something about the 
science of Out-Crossing, In-Breeding, Breeding to feather, Cross-Breeding 
for market purposes, etc. Price 25 cents, or with the American Poultry 
Advocate one year for 42 cents C. C. DePuy, Syracuse, N. Y. 

THE A B C OF POULTRY CULTURE— by J. H. Davis.— A thor- 
oughly practical and original book by a practical breeder. Especially 
designed for beginners. Price 25 cents, or with the American Poultry 
Advocate one year 42 cents. C. C. DePuy, Syracuse, N. Y. 

SOME OF LEE'S IDEAS— by J. Henry Lee.— Some practical hints 
for those who would help themselves in the construction of conven- 
iences for use about the Yard, the Garden and the Farm, with special refer- 
ence to Poultry Keeping. Handsomely illustrated from original draw- 
ings; Mr. Lee's own work. Price 50 cents, or with the American 
Poultry Advocate one year for 60 cents. C. C. DePuy, Syracuse, N. Y. 

BIGGLE POULTRY BOOK— By Jacob Biggie, is written by a practi- 
cal level-headed man and is just fresh from the press. Like the 
Farm Journal, from which much of its material is taken, it is full cf 
gumption and Common sense, every page i' boiled down to the point, and 
yet every chapter covers the ground carefully and thoroughly. It is the 
most comprehensive and helpful poultry book ever gotten out, for in ad- 
dition to the vast amount of valuable information covered in its seventeen 
chapters, there are Sixteen Beautiful Colored Plates showing, true to color 
and shape, twenty-three varieties of poultry . Chickens, ducks, turkeys 
and geese are all shown in their proper plumage, and with comb, beak and 
and shanks as true to nature as it is possible to produce. This color work 
cost over $1,000 for the first edition alone and has never been equaled be- 
fore in any book selling for less than $^.00. Biggle Poultry Book is 
within the reach of everybody. In addition to these exquisite plates, there 
are over fourty-two handsome engravings in half tone, and sixtv-one other 
helpful illustrations of houses, nests, drinking vessels, etc. The book is 
handsomely bound in cloth, the cover being printed in two colors. Price 
50 cents, or with the American Poultry Advocate, one year for 65 cents. 
C. C. DePuy, Syracuse, N Y. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



These one-half inch illustrated or tliiiplared ad- 
vertisements, 70 cts. per month, S1.S9 for 3 mos., 
$3.57 for 6 mos., S6.30 per year, the best kind oi' 
advertisements for breeders use. 

~ White WYANDOTTE^ Exclusively. 

Brown egg strain. Eggs fl.OO per thirteen. 
Fertileincubator eggs $4.00 per 100. Stock for 
sale in season. 

P. D. WHITE, 
North Attleboro, ... Mass. 

Choice Golden Laced Wyandottes 

and R. C. White Leghorns. Cockerei.s 
lor sale. Send for circular. 

CHARLES E. DANIKLSON, 

511 WillardSt. Jamestown, N.Y. 






mi 



PAGE POULTRY BOOK 

contains ouer 75,000 words, 60 Illustra- 
tions, all you want to know about raising 
and breeding all liinds Fine POULTRY. Bq mail for 
^^^^ 12 eta. Clare;ice C. D£Puy. Pub. .Si/'.j""»« N.I. 

Hereafter we shall make one-half inch illus- 
trated advertisements a special feature of our 
advertising department, and have had prepared 
a special lot or small cuts, of all the leading 
breds of poultry, made to use in this depart- 
ment. We think this will be the most attract- 
ive department that appears in the advertising 
columnsof the American Poultry Advocate. 
See the low rates given above, taking in con- 
sideration the large circulation we give you. 
On yearly orders you can pay quarterly in 
advance. We consider this kind of advertising 
to be as good as any and think they will be 
noticed and read just as quick as if you used 
four or ten times as much space, because there 
is an individually about these small illustrated 
advertisements that is bound to attract the 
attention of readers to them. Try this way of 
advertising and note the results for so small an 
investment. Fraternally yours, 

Clarence C. DePuv, Publisher, 

American Poultry Advocate, 
Syracuse, N. Y. 



SWORN CIRCULATION 

16,000 Copies or More Every 
Month. 

We have consolidated with the American 
Poultry Advocate, the four well known and 
long established papers, viz: Poultry and Horse 
Review, of Burlington, Vt , Poultry, Garden 
and Fruits, of Marilla, N. Y., Poultry World, 
of Utica, N. Y., and Feathered Realm, of Cam- 
bridge Springs, Pa., which makes a very de- 
sirable combination to advertise in. 



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P4 H 



»',?!""'' °'' CONGRESS 



0002 84r"Sn" 

I White Minor cas. f 

* * 

ito Pure white in color, of true Minorca shape w 

\|/ and up to or exceeding standard weight, w 

liy Our birds have never failed to win first prizes (Jy 

yj^ wherever shown. yj/ 

^f^ As layers they excel all other varieties of the w 

2J Leghorn or Mediteranean class of fowls. |jj 

jffi We make direct importations from England of (ji\ 

k\ prize-winning blood to improve our stock. /f\ 

/^ ijy 

i|i SEND STAIVIP F=OR CIROUL.AF?. /|\ 

/fV The Stearns Fruit Ranch, (fv 

iJv CANON CITTY, - - COLORADO, yji 

I Black Minorcas. I 

My This book tells all about them and how they ^^y 

J2 excel the Leghorns in weight, egg produc- ||| 

^r. tion and gentleness. ^|y 

\i/ Our birds are farm raised, of standard weight, \l/ 

(1/ are hardy, vigorous, good hustlers and pro- \l/ 

(f\ lific layers of the big eggs that have made (fy 

(0 the Minorcas famous. ^f^ 

m ^fi 

A\ In the show room our stock has always cap- /|y 

hy tured the major portion of the prizes in their /|\ 

h\ class- Stock for sale and eggs for hatching f|\ 

A\ in season. /|\ 

J Tl^e Brook Rapct), jj 

ff> SALT LAKE CinrV, - - UTAH. ^1 

% # 



